Two goals in stoppage time dramatically sent Needham Market Women in the FA Cup Second Round for the first time in the club’s history after winning 4-3 away at Dussindale &Hellesdon.
Needham dominated the first half and went ahead thanks to a deserving first goal for the club from Leilah Gooding but were then hit by a double from Tallulah Bell including a goal in stoppage time to fall behind at the break.
Dussindale extended their lead at the start of the half thanks to Victoria Leyer but in a dramatic final quarter, Needham pulled themselves out the fire with headed goals from Paige Wakefield, Molly Hall and Sheryce Slater - the final two coming deep in stoppage time.
The away side started the better forcing several early corners and it was no surprise to see them take the lead as Goodingwas found by a sublime pass from Slater at the edge of the box before executing a majestic chip over the onrushing goalkeeper.
But the home side were level within minutes from their first opportunity as the pace of Bell took her into the right channel of the box before sliding the ball past the on rushing Evie McKane.
Needham looked the more likely but were then dealt with a sucker punch with an action replay of the first from Bell as they went in behind at the break.
The second period started in a similar vein to the first before Leyer added a third with another lob although there looked like a foul in the build-up.
Hall nearly reduced the arrears immediately but her header from a corner crashed off the bar, but it was a warning as with 15 minutes to play Wakefield emphatically powered home a header from a Lina Nagib corner to give some hope.
Looking for a goal Needham introduced Development player Keira Topple to use her pace, while fellow Development and academy player Sophia Gillingham remained on the bench.
It was all Needham although the home side were holding them at bay as they went into nine minutes of injury time – an injury stoppage added more time – and another corner taken by Lois Balfour this time where Hall looked to send the game into extra time.
But only minutes later Needham with another Balfour corner broke home hearts as Slater this time rose highest – her first for the club - to end the game in the most dramatic of circumstances.
The club have made history getting to the second round for the first time ever and it’s not long to wait with the draw placing us with an away trip to FAWNL Northern PremierDivision side West Bromwich Albion on Sunday 26th of November.
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