Maidenhead United Women progress past Haywards Heath to reach Plate quarter finals

Imogen Fisher. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Maidenhead United Women 4, Haywards Heath Town Women 2

Maidenhead United Women progressed to the quarter finals of the FA Women’s National League Plate on Sunday after claiming an entertaining 4-2 win over Haywards Heath Town Women at Burnham’s 1878 Stadium.

In Imogen Fisher’s last game for the Magpies, Ed Jackson-Norris’ side bounced back from their disappointing display at Southampton Women’s FC in the FA Cup to progress in another cup competition.

They’ll host Cambridge United Women in the final eight in the new year with the two clubs yet to set a date.

Due to the recent inclement weather, Sunday’s tie was switched from York Road to the artificial surface at the 1878 Stadium, and the two sides played out a cracker of a cup tie, with Maidenhead coming from behind to claim their place in the next round.

The home side got off to a wonderful start when Macey Nikiah-Walters fired the Magpies ahead after 11 minutes, however, a quick-fire double from the visitors in the 34th and 38th minutes saw them take a narrow lead into the break.

The Magpies had work to do at the interval and Jackson-Norris made one change, with Natasha Rasmussen coming on for Jade Hockey.

It gave the home side the impetus they needed to go on and take control of the tie. Just 45 seconds after the restart Emily Norfolk pulled the ball back for Izzy Stockton to spin her marker and finish to make it 2-2.

Further changes gave the Magpies more energy across the field, with Aleasha Lunn replacing Norfolk and Ruth Topping and Nat Cowell coming on for Isacc Gregory and Amy Saunders.

In the 68th minute they retook the lead when Sarah Thompson headed home while Simone O’Brien scored at the second attempt after good work from Nikiah-Walters in the 84th minute.

That goal gave the Magpies some breathing space in a frenetic match and allowed Fisher to enjoy her final moments in a Magpies’ shirt.

She was given a guard of honour off the field by her teammates having been a fantastic servant for the club over the past few seasons. Her work in the armed forces is taking her away from the area, but she hopes to find a new club to play for once she gets settled.

After the game, manager Jackson-Norris posted: “A really positive response to last week’s result. Another game coming from behind to win. That’s four wins in the last five matches and a record number of goals in all competitions for an FA Women’s National League season and we’re only halfway through.

“We look forward to wrapping up 2023 at home next week.”

The Magpies round off a successful year with a home game against fourth-placed Moneyfields on Sunday, 2pm kick-off. The eighth-placed Magpies and Moneyfields have contrasting form this season with the Magpies having won two, drawn one and lost five of their league matches to date, with Moneyfields having won 5, drawn one and lost only two.