A fantastic result and performance from West sees us through to the semi-final of the Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup.

It was a bright start for West but Salford had the first chance, hitting the post on 8 minutes. A few errors were creeping into West’s game with under-hit passes and clearances which Salford really should have punished.

The game came to life as we approached the half hour mark. The teams decided to exchange late Christmas presents. West were the first to benefit on 28 minutes when the Salford keeper failed to clear a West ball into their area. Biff was on to the loose ball in a flash to give us the lead. On 33 minutes we returned the favour, a poor challenge gifting a penalty to Salford which they duly converted.

West were quick to seize back the initiative on 37 minutes. Great pressing from Biff on the edge of the Salford area, dispossessing a defender and firing the ball high into the net.

Half-time: 2-1

Salford started brightly in the second half, a shot just wide with their first attack and then a great save by Claire, tipping the ball over to deny an equaliser. She whacked her head on the way down but was fortunately ok to carry on.

West were soon on top, controlling the midfield and stifling Salford’s attempts to get forward. This was typified by Amy Vyas who had put in another great shift. She made way for Hannah Mitchell on the hour mark.

On 64 minutes West scored the goal of the game. A lovely ball from Vicky Kerr to Sophie Bracegirdle on the right of the area. Soph controlled, beat her marker and fired home across the keeper and just inside the post. 3-1 to West.

A couple more changes followed for West. Salford were pushing to get back into the game but some fine defending from West denied any clear opportunities.

Late stoppages meant 5 minutes of added time, but West showed great resilience to see out the game.

Team: Jefferson (GK), Mason, Blöchl, Caddick, Hodges (Frisby 68’), Kerr, Edmondson, Vyas (Mitchell 60’), Bracegirdle, Livesey (Bowett-Robinson 82’), Gunn

Unused subs: Sumner, Dolan

Scorers: Livesey (2), Bracegirdle