Cambridge City drawn against Histon in county cup semi-final after 2-0 victory over Wimblington

Goals from teenagers Faith Harrison and a wonder-strike from Gabriella Giussani sent Cambridge City through to the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup with a morale-boosting 2-0 win at Wimblington on Sunday.

Stewart Nichols’ side have saved their best for cup competitions this season and hope to build on the FA Cup run that has already seen his young team make the headlines.

The Lilywhites, however, have been handed a tough draw against Kevin Jacklin’s high-flying Histon at Bridge Road on Sunday, 16 March.

In the game, chances were few and far between as both sides struggled to cope with the heavy pitch. Harrison had the first opportunity after 111 minutes but dragged her shot wide.

City then had a lucky break two minutes later when goalkeeper Erica Meale’s attempted clearance hit the home team’s striker, but the City stopper was able to collect the rebound.

At the other City captain Sakina Dhirani shot narrowly wide after a Summer Taylor free-kick and Harrison shot on goal from the edge of the area.

The pressure eventually told in the 40th minute when Harrison converted after good work on the right by Tye Smith and Newman. Smith played a sublime cross with the outside of her foot into the path of Harrison, who finished for her 10th goal of the season.

In contrast, the second half was a much livelier affair. Meale was called upon a couple of times in the first few minutes and Harrison almost got her second and after being put though by Lily-Ann Winney.

Anais Winney then had a shot on goal as City began to reassert their superiority, occupying the opposition penalty area, resulting in a flurry of corners.

The second goal duly came on 65 minutes after City had three bites of the cherry to increase the lead. Anais Winney fed Harrison but the Wimblington goalkeeper came out well to block, Smith hit the rebound but was it cleared on the goal-line before falling to Giussani, who from 20 yards out hit a dipping drive into the far corner.

City were on top and, apart from a good save from Neale and some good defensive work by centre-back Lexie Pryke, were happy to run the clock down as they looked forward to the semi-finals.

Manager Stewart Nichols said: “We started slowly on a very boggy pitch, but once we moved the ball across the back line and made them work hard to try and win the ball back, we got the upper-hand and it became an easier game.

“The second goal particularly was good build-up play with a perfect set up from Faith and a well-placed strike from Gabriella.”

“Erica, Lexie, and Gabriella had a great game, with stand-out performances. It will be a tough test in the next round against Histon.”

City return to league action on Sunday (23 February) and host Needham Market.