Ruby Ellis goal puts Airbus into NEWFA Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals

NEWFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINAL

Denbigh Town 0
Airbus UK Broughton 1 (R Ellis 75)

Report: Ollie Williams

Sixteen-year-old winger Ruby Ellis scored the 75th minute goal which put Airbus into the NEWFA Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.

While Denbigh had beaten Bellevue 13-0 in the Betty Pickering Cup and Airbus lost 3-1 at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 in the Genero Adran North two days earlier, Tuesday night’s encounter was more of a leveller between two well-matched sides.

Airbus threatened first after just three minutes when Farrah Aslam struck a shot from the right, but keeper Young dealt with it well.

Ceri Purvis, a five-goal star on Sunday, almost opened the scoring on 17 minutes when she dashed through the Wingmakers defence before being denied by goalkeeper Heidi Scammell.

Lowri Claybrook then missed a great opportunity for Denbigh just inside the box, dragging her effort wide of the left post.

Airbus had the majority of the ball, Ellis pouncing on a mistake at the back and racing through, but Young was superb to prevent an opener.

Aslam’s 25-yard free kick was well claimed by Young before the final chance of the half fell to Denbigh when Purvis made inroads into the box but drilled across the face of goal.

Airbus came out the blocks quickly in the second half and put Town under pressure.

Despite the waves of attack Denbigh had the first chance of note in the half, substitute Natalie Harrison running in on goal before unleashing a shot that was saved low by Scammell.

Harrison cut inside before having a go, but Scammell saved again.

The deciding goal came with 15 minutes to spare. Airbus ran through with Young initially making a great stop, but Ellis was on hand to smash into the net

Purvis and Claybrook had chances to equalise, but the Wingmakers held on for the victory.