A 2-1 win against National League side Worcester City Women in the Women’s FA Cup has seen the Valiants progress to the First Round for a third consecutive year.
After a 2-0 away win against Knowle in the previous round, Worcester, who knocked our Women’s side out in the First Round last year, hosted us at Sixways Stadium on Sunday.
A front-footed start was marked with an impressive goal as striker Ellie Edwards' effort from range dipped over the goalkeeper to give us the lead within the first quarter of an hour.
The 16-year-old has had a bright start to the season after stepping up to the first team, scoring five goals in the opening seven games this season.
After taking the lead, the hosts stepped up in attempts to respond, forcing a string of strong saves from Ellie Fagan to keep us ahead. Despite hitting the bar through Hollie Bailey, we were unable to double our lead and had a one-goal advantage at the interval.
Within the first minute of the second half, a contentious refereeing decision saw Worcester draw level from the penalty spot.
Fagan continued to make impressive saves, keeping us alive in the game, including a spectacular tip over the bar from a Worcester volley on the edge.
The hosts' pressure was withstood, and moments to retake the lead began to present themselves again. Kelsey Richardson, who rejoined the club this summer, scored from a rebound following an effort from captain Sian McHugh that hit the bar.
Impressive game management from Garry Pearce’s side in the final 25 minutes was enough to hold on to the slender lead we had accrued, earning an impressive win against a side in the tier above.
Relive a special day in Worcester! 🤩 Just 1⃣ hour until we find out our @WomensFACup First Round opponents! #PVFCWomen https://t.co/w0ebJ1sseg
— Port Vale FC Women (@PVFCWomen) October 5, 2026
A home tie against Tier 3 side Boldmere St. Michaels Women at home in the First Round of the Women’s FA Cup awaits next. The fixture will be played at 2pm on Sunday 25th October.
Follow @PVFCWomen across social media for more updates on our Women’s side.