12/09/2026
Ashford United FC Ladies are through to the next round of the Women's FA Cup, after a 3-1 victory away at Kings Hill FC. Report by Phill Thorne. 🏆
After a frustrating game the previous weekend, when Ashford probably should have won more comfortably, the forwards showed exactly what they are capable of this time around. Deborah Lanipekun struck twice in the first half, while Ella Roper also found the net as Ashford took firm control of the tie.
The second half was a calmer affair, with Ashford managing the game well and making sure the hosts were never really allowed a route back into it. Kings Hill did pull a goal back with a very good header from a set piece, but Ashford remained composed and saw the game out professionally.
It was an impressive result considering a number of players were missing due to a pre-arranged engagement. Stand-in captain Charleen Cairns produced a commanding display, while Trinity Barden looked immense at the back, showing once again that pace can be every bit as valuable as height across the back line.
There were also strong performances from Emily Wood and Ella Roper, but one of the main protagonists was Phoebe Cowley, whose excellent set-piece delivery helped create two of Ashford’s three goals.
Overall, it was a much more clinical performance from Ashford, particularly in the first half, and a deserved victory on the road.
The win sends Ashford United Women into the next round of the competition. Next weekend the womens team travel to Ashmount Leigh, the team we beat in the last round.
