Redditch United Women played hosts to women’s football legends the Doncaster Belles in the second qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup.

There was a real buzz around the Trico for this game and both set of fans turned up the volume as the teams took the field.

Manager Tom Blaymires and the coaching team had thought hard about tactics against higher ranked opposition. Should they sit back and stoically defend and look to counter, or continue to play our way and take it to the Belles? They chose the later.

The 1st half kicked off, the Belles might have been the National league side but the Reds Women were matching them all the way. Both side moved the ball well and chances came at both ends. For the Reds the attacking line up of the Ross Twins, Bailey, Price and Newman were causing the Belles problems at the back. The Reds were also defending with confidence and giving the Belles very little joy, half time 0-0.

The second half continued in the same way both sides creating chances but the Reds Women were growing by the minute. Then in the 76th minute against the run of play a rare defensive slip from the Reds allowed The Belles to get off a long range shot that sneaked in via the woodwork 0-1.

Some teams might have folded now, but not this Reds Team!

The Management made a tactical switch, going three at the back and putting on a 3rd Centre forward to pressure the Belles back three.

It was up to the players now, and incredibly they found another gear from somewhere deep inside and took the game to the Belles with a passion. The Reds swarmed around the Belles Goal, chances came, last ditch defending and a top draw save with her legs by the Belles keeper, kept the Reds out.

Then on 87 minutes the ball fell to Redditch sub Jade Guppy who crashes it home! 1-1

Despite Redditch continuing to pile on the pressure for the final minutes they cant find a way through.

Full time1-1

And so to penalties..

The Belles to take first... up steps their Player who shoots left, But Reds Keeper Mariska Hadley leaps across to make the save, advantage Redditch.

Jodie Price steps up for Redditch and buries it! 1-0 Redditch.

A Second penalty for Belles goes over the bar. Redditch in the driving seat.

Two more clinical penalties from Abbie Bailey and Jade Guppy, leaves Isobel Godfrey to seal the win for the Reds. Ice cool! Right in the corner and a roar goes up from the Reds supporters.

The Women have been drawn to play Boldmere St Michaels on Sunday 1st November (Ko TBC). Tickets for the game will be available on the gate.