Dominant display by Wight Eagles Ladies sees them progress to cup quarter-finals

THE Wight Eagles Ladies team triumphed against City Ladies in the second round of the Hampshire County Women's Invitation Cup to set up a local derby in the quarter finals.

WIGHT EAGLES LADIES 3, CITY LADIES 0

The tie, played at the GKN ground in Beatrice Avenue, East Cowes, on Sunday, saw the Eagles control possession early on.

Abi Joyce created several opportunities to test the City Ladies' goalkeeper.

Action in the City Ladies goalmouth. (Image: Kevin Cant)

An Eagles player takes a strike at goal. (Image: Kevin Cant)

A Wight Eagles and City player tussle for possession. (Image: Kevin Cant) Midway through the first half, Jess Green was fouled for a free kick 20 yards out, and Millie Tinsley struck the ball beautifully into the top corner, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead at half-time.

In the second half, the Eagles came out the stronger, looking to extend their lead.

Joyce and Kira Smith had early chances, but the City Ladies’ goalkeeper made impressive saves to keep her team in the contest.

Read more: Isle of Wight Eagles score five against mainland opposition

City Ladies also had opportunities to equalise, but Georgia Dye made crucial saves.

With around 20 minutes left, Kira found the net, to double the Islanders' advantage.

She continued to threaten the opposition's defence and, after receiving a pass from Jess and Millie, scored again, to mark her eighth goal in eight games.

The Eagles advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face a derby against Shanklin Ladies, at the County Ground, on November 24.

The player of the match accolade was awarded to Lucy Scholes.

Eagles manager, Dan Verstraeten, said: "I’m enjoying the football the ladies are playing at the moment.

"They've worked really hard and we're in a fantastic place with the talent we have, along with the experience."