Woodley United live up to the hype as cup journey’s continue

Woodley United enjoyed a special weekend as both the senior men’s and women’s teams advanced in their respective FA competitions.

Marc Surtees women’s team made the Vitality Women’s FA Cup First Round for the first time in the clubs history, beating Aylesford 3-1 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time.

Beth Hulme had given the visitors to Bulmershe Pavilions a 1-0 lead but Sarah Lawrence levelled things up and that’s how it stayed with Michelle Quinn scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.

United will play FA Women’s National League Premier Division South Oxford United at home in what has already been dubbed ‘The Gemma Sims Derby‘ in the First Round on Sunday 12th November 2023.

Related: The 2023/24 Vitality Women’s FA Cup First Round draw in full

On Saturday, it was Jordan Blake’s men’s side that upset the odds with a penalty shoot out win of their own at Virginia Water in the FA Vase First Round Proper.

The Surrey side are a division higher in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South and were the favourites going into the tie, but it was Connor Richardson who gave Woodley the lead at Stag Meadow after 20 minutes.

It was five minutes into the second half before Virginia Water levelled through Reece Gairy but neither side could find a winner before penalties ensued with Woodley winning 4-3.

The Kestrels men’s side had already made club history reaching the Vase First Round and have been joined by their women’s side who have gone the furthest they’ve ever gone in the Women’s FA Cup.

Related: FA Vase Second Round Proper draw in full