Lincoln United Women are through to the final of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Cup, after a 1-0 win away to Northampton Town Women.

After a disappointing defeat to Northampton at home in the league, Chris Funnell’s side were eager to avenge their loss in a highly anticipated semi-final tie.

Similarly to the league game, Northampton controlled much of the ball in the opening stages of the game, but Lincoln United’s organised defence, led by Katie Davison, made it difficult for the home side to create any clear-cut chances throughout the game.

Abi Ringrose and Abbie Murrell threatened from distance with long shots, but their attempts were saved comfortably by Jo Daniels in the Northampton goal.

In the last 15 minutes of the first half, there was a constant wave of attack from United as they pushed for an opener. Lauren Churcher danced past her opponent from out wide before floating in a cross which was headed just wide by Demi Barai.

On the half hour mark, Northampton skipper Leah Cudone collected a loose ball and was left one-on-one with Amy Hood, but a superb last-ditch slide tackle from Barai prevented a huge goal-scoring opportunity for the home side.

The half ended all square in a tightly contested semi-final.

Northampton Town WFC 0-0 Lincoln United WFC 0 (HT)

Lincoln United came out from the half-time break with strong intent and produced a fantastic display of attacking and defensive quality, creating numerous chances and limiting Northampton to no shots on target.

Murrell’s pace caused havoc for Northampton’s defence all game, and she came close to breaking the deadlock on the 52nd minute when she raced through on goal, but her curling attempt was saved by the fingertips of Daniels in the Northampton goal.

Northampton’s usual threat from wide positions was nullified as United’s wingbacks, Frankie Wilson and Sally Cairns put in a solid defensive shift to win their individual battles and stop crosses entering the box.

With extra-time looming, Murrell skipped past three players on the wing before setting up her strike partner, Lucy Farrow who fired a powerful shot into the back of the net to win the game for Lincoln in the 90th minute.

Northampton Town WFC 0-1 #TheWhites

In a tightly contested game between two of the best teams in the league, Lincoln came out on top with a deserved 1-0 win against a tough Northampton side.

'The Whites' defence of the League Cup continues in the final where they will play Derby County Academy.

Chris Funnell’s side return to league action this week when they travel to Notts County.

Northampton Town WFC 0-1 Lincoln United WFC 0 (FT)

Match Report by Nathan Matthie