Broadbridge Heath Women are through to the SCWGFL Challenge Cup Semi-Finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over TD Shipley Ladies.

It was a scrappy encounter throughout, with neither side able to take full control in normal time. The final whistle blew at 2-2, before the Bears held their nerve to win 3-1 on penalties.

First Half
The game was evenly contested from the outset, with clear-cut chances at a premium. The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock was an effort from Alice Jack, whose strike rattled the crossbar. At the break, it remained 0-0.

Second Half Drama
Changes at the interval sparked the Bears into life. A perfectly weighted through ball from Ellie Jefferies sent Lucie Francis one-on-one with the keeper, and she calmly slotted home to give Broadbridge Heath a 1-0 lead.

TD Shipley responded quickly, capitalising on a defensive mistake to level the score at 1-1.

The Bears didn’t let that setback linger. Captain Emma Flood won possession in midfield and played in Maddy Davies, who unleashed a superb strike from just outside the box into the bottom right corner to restore the lead at 2-1.

Despite creating further chances, the Bears were unable to extend their advantage. A late corner for Shipley proved costly, as a header inside the box found the net to make it 2-2 in the dying moments.

Penalty Shootout Nerves
The tie went to penalties — and that’s where the Bears showed their composure.
❌ Shipley denied (Brilliant save from Milene Scott)
✅ 1-0 Bears
❌ Another save from Milene Scott
✅ 2-1 Bears
✅ 3-1 Bears
A huge well done to everyone who stepped up — and special praise to Milene Scott for her crucial saves between the posts!

What’s Next?
The ladies now progress to the Semi-Final, where they will face Three Bridges at home on 8th March. A massive challenge awaits — and we’ll be right behind them!

Matchday Squad
Starting XI:
Milene Scott (GK), Alice Partridge, Lexi Burnside, Olivia Burnside, Lottie French, Emma Flood (C), Madeleine Davies, Alice Jack, Lilymae Van Drongelen, Nicole Cossey, Ellie Jefferies

Subs:
Lucie Francis, Ellie Barry, Megan Morris, Georgina Lilburn