The first round of the Argyle Sports Cup arrived as the remaining 32 teams kicked off the NWWRFL’s league challenge cup throughout the North West.

 

Merseyrail v Altrincham

 

Merseyrail eased into the second round with a 6-0 win over Accrington and Girls Ladies Oleta Omar La Cruz (2), Sophie Perry, Georgia Mills, Tessa Littler and Shuan Corrigan. They will take on an Altrincham side overcame their coach breaking down to defeat Workington Reds on penalties after a 2-2 draw.  Megan Rowley gave the Robins the lead before Workington levelled through Jessica Reynolds on 12 minutes.  The home side then took the lead through Linzi Donaldson, after Altrincham were adjudged to have committed a back pass inside the area, before Laura Kelly made it 2-2.  Extra time couldn’t separate the two teams but it was the side from Division One South who advanced in the shoot-out.

 

Stockport County v Bury

 

A brace from Chloe Mapp with goals from Hanifa Douglas and Abi Hayes saw Stockport County overcome Wigan Athletic 4-2 at Stockport Sports Village. They will welcome a Bury side who enjoyed an impressive 10-0 win at home to Penwortham Town.  Despite the wet and windy conditions, which dominated the highlights video package.

 

Sophie Rowlands opened the goalscoring for the Shakers before adding the second to make it 2-0 finishing under the Penwortham goalkeeper. A nice move down the left from Jordan Bailey saw her turn it in at the near post for 3-0 before half time.  Rowlands completed her hat-trick to make it 4-0 when she was played through one-on-one. Isa Mara Melicio, having made it 5-0 firing home the rebound from Rowlands initial effort off the crossbar. Melicio then turned provider squaring to Caitlin Clancy for 6-0 who then saw her effort denied only for Rowlands to tap in the rebound for her fourth.  Melicio made it 8-0 finishing off at the near post before Clancy made it 9-0 firing into an empty net from 20 yards out.  The tenth came courtesy of a flowing move down the left Melicio twisted and turned before finding Clancy at the far post to fire home her hat-trick.

 

Chester v Northwich Vixens

 

In something closing in on an upset Chester defeated Division One Northern league leaders Blackpool 1-0 thanks to an Amy Smith header after 20 minutes.  Northwich Vixens ran out 5-1 winners away to City of Liverpool thanks to a Michaela Thompson hat-trick as well as goals from Kerry Baker and Stacy Connor.

 

Sir Tom Finney v Warrington Wolverines

 

Warrington Wolverines defeated Premier Division side Manchester Stingers 2-1 at Whalley Range.  The Wolverines took the lead through Cathy Dutton before Lauren Carey brought the home side level. However, it was the Division One South side how advanced to the second round thanks to a Sam Hassell goal.  Sir Tom Finney enjoyed an emphatic 13-0 win over Leigh RMI (we literally have no more information!)

 

Mossley Hill Athletic v Tranmere Rovers

 

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Curzon Ashton

 

West Didsbury & Chorlton overcame a tough test against promotion chasing Liverpool Feds Reserves as they ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Elizabeth Livesey and Rachael Dunlop.  Meanwhile Curzon Ashton played out a thriller away to Carlisle United with the Nash winning 4-3 after extra time.  Three times Carlisle took the lead and three teams Curzon came back with Aliza Angus netting the third goal before eventually finding the winner in extra-time.

 

FC United v Blackburn Community

 

It was a much quieter weekend for FC United who advanced into the second round thanks to a walkover from the withdrawing Burscough.  They will face Blackburn Community at home who were 1-0 winners away to Morecambe Reserves.

 

Didsbury or Cammell Laird v Penrith

 

Didsbury v Cammell Laird failed to survive the weather with Didsbury Sports Ground closing their playing fields for the day after much overnight rain.  Penrith secured a 1-0 win away to Stockport County Blues thanks to an 83^rd minute goal from Becca Buchanan.  There was also cause to celebrate for Penrith as Kim McCormick became the all time leading appearance maker for Penrith as she ticked over to 228 appearances for the club. Didsbury and Cammell Laird will try again on Sunday 27^th January.