It was Argyle Cup time for the women's side as they break off from the league for a week. Two superb strikes from Duckworth and the other from Emilia Edwards send Crewe through to the final eight.

 

With Haslingden flying high in their league in top spot, the Alex knew they would have a tough game on their hands and have to be at their best. The Reds started positively and forced the Haslingden goalkeeper into two saves early on.

 

Duckworth should have opened the scoring in the 23rd minute but her shot was straight at the Haslingden number one. Their early dominance allowed Beth Ragdale to power a header straight off the woodwork from a header. Kirsty Stafford and Gemma Brough in the full-back roles were regularly deployed in the opponents half and this yielded success with a number of opportunities for the Alex with limited chances going the opposite way.

 

On the half hour mark, Duckworth was able to open the scoring after Laura Garner laid it on the plate for her teammate. Head Coach, Matt Fisher, made a change at half-time with Jess Sheridan being replaced by Emilia Edwards, which saw Garner return to the middle of the park. The substitution certainly paid off when Edwards doubled the away side's lead in the 55th minute with a fine strike from outside of the box.

 

A third almost came when Megan Beech forced the 'keeper into a good save and moments later, Garner could only watch hers venomous free-kick rebound back off the post.

 

The women were rewarded for their constant pressure as goal number three arrived when Duckworth headed home Amanda Fallon's cross for her second of the day.

 

Matt Fisher, Crewe's Head Coach: "The girls were on it from the first whistle. The overloads we were creating in wide areas was really pleasing as it was our focus throughout the week in training.

 

"They just couldn't cope with us and on another day we could of got more goals"