It was a fantastic display from our Steelwomen, who now stand as the last remaining NWAGFL representatives left in the competition. With higher-level opposition still in the cup, it’s East Midlands opposition that awaits in next weekend’s semi-final.

The first half saw our ladies explode out of the blocks. Moving the ball confidently, they found pockets of space both through midfield and out wide. On 7 minutes, a superb switch of play picked out Maddie free on the edge of the box, and she made no mistake, striking home to get us underway.

Just three minutes later, a cleared corner fell to Chloe, who unleashed an absolute worldie high into the net to make it 2–0.

To their credit, Higham responded with renewed vigour. Excellent ball movement from right to left saw a dangerous cross find an onrushing player, who finished well to pull it back to 2–1. Game on.

However, eight minutes later our Steelwomen struck again. Some excellent interplay through the middle released the ball out wide to Emma, who drove inside and dispatched a fantastic finish to send us into the break 3–1 ahead.

We knew Higham would come out fast in the second half, and they did exactly that. Sustained pressure paid off on 55 minutes as they reduced the deficit to 3–2.

Higham were now in the ascendancy and pushing hard for control, but on 67 minutes came a devastating blow — up stepped captain Hannah, unleashing a stunning 30-yard rocket to restore our two-goal cushion at 4–2.

The Steelwomen weren’t finished there. Capping off an emphatic victory, Mollie struck from an indirect free kick to make it 5–2 and put the result beyond doubt.

A fantastic display of courage, grit, determination, and quality from start to finish.

Well done to our Steelwomen — and as underdogs heading into the semi-final, we wish them the very best of luck.