Watford Ladies U16 Warriors upset the odds as a resolute performance saw them beat highly fancied Millwall in the Junior Premier League Cup.
It was a classic cup tie, with Watford starting the brighter. They had early opportunities to score but as the game settled down Millwall began to show why they were the clear favourites and took the lead midway through the half.
Demonstrating resilience and conviction the Warriors fought back. A fine performance from Tiana McKenzie-David down the left wing was rewarded with a deserved equaliser. A trademark effort saw her taking on and beating her marker and placing a shot from distance over the keeper’s head.
The second half promised more of the same. While a physical Millwall were not allowed to have it all their own way, with a strong midfield performance from Chloe O’Donoghue epitomising Watford’s determined approach, it was the visitors that went ahead once more. Again, Watford dug deep, with a crucial save from Abbey Syphas in goal and a resolute defence marshalled by captain Noemie Ramsell keeping them in it. With just 10 minutes to go a couple of key substitutions changed the course of the game. In-form Olivia Henry, back on after an earlier injury, made an instant impact as she was brought down making a dangerous run into the box. Matilda Walker calmly sent her penalty kick into the corner of the net to level the game at 2-2. Then Molly Wain was re-introduced. Her through ball found Olivia Henry who turned and fired it from the edge of the box beyond the diving ‘keeper to put Watford ahead with just injury time remaining. A frustrated Millwall side started to lose their calm in the frantic final few minutes, but the Warriors held firm to deservedly progress to the quarter finals.
