Manchester City LFC 0 Barnet Ladies FC 2
FA Women's Cup Fifth Round
Sunday 8th January 2006
At Flixton FC

Barnet FC Ladies progressed to the Fifth Round of the FA Women's Cup on Sunday, thanks to a 2-0 victory against Manchester City in Round Four.The Bees' produced their second giant killing feat in successive rounds, to defeat the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division side on their own ground.

The home team enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half as the Bees' side failed to get into their stride. Manchester City looked to be the more positive side and were often first to the ball in midfield. However, with Katie Wicka and Charlotte Herson in imperious form at the heart of the Barnet defence, City's first half efforts were generally restricted to long range, all of which were comfortably dealt with by Jess Devoti in the Barnet goal.

With Tracey Kevins half time team talk still ringing in their ears, Barnet emerged for the second half in much more determined mood. It was not long before they had shocked their hosts by taking the lead.

Barnet forced a corner in the opening minute of the second period and Charlotte Herson bundled Beth Curtis's inswinging delivery in at the far post.

The early breakthrough provided the whole Barnet side with a boost of confidence and they began to play with much greater fluency and determination throughout the side. Ashley Hutton and Emma Treanor became dominant in central midfield, whilst Heski Johnson and Katie O'Donoghue began to ask questions of the Manchester City full backs. As well as performing their defensive duties admirably, Dee Smith and Lizzie Goodwin also started to get forward from their respective full back positions.

Up front, Barnet's prolific strike force of Beth Curtis and Stacey Sowden were worrying the City rearguard. After eight minutes of the second period Beth Curtis produced a characteristically probing run from midfield, which climaxed with a shot from outside the penalty area that passed narrowly wide.

However, the decisive moment came midway in the second half. Stacey Sowden picked the ball up close to the half way line on the Barnet left, she attacked the Manchester City right back with great pace, which allowed her to cut inside into the penalty area. Sowden kept her cool as she dribbled across the face of the goal and around the advancing goalkeeper to slot the ball into the net to give Barnet a 2-0 lead.

Manchester City poured forward in an attempt to find a way back into the game but the resolute Barnet defence was able to repel any attempt on goal.

Barnet are now through to last sixteen of the FA Women's Cup competition for the first time since the 2000/01 season. They are the lowest ranked team in terms of league status in the fifth round were they join such illustrious names in the Women's game as Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Everton.

Barnet Team: Jess Devoti; Davina Smith, Charlotte Herson, Katie Wicka, Lizzie Goodwin; Hayley Johnson, Emma Treanor, Ashley Hutton, Katie O'Donoghue; Beth Curtis, Stacey Sowden.

Substitutes: Kerry Jones (for Hayley Johnson 87 mins); Hannah Grover, Zoe Barnes, Alysha Cole and Danielle Richards (not used)

Goalscorers: Charlotte Herson (47 mins), Stacey Sowden (67 mins)

John Taylor