DARTS WOMEN THROUGH TO FA CUP SECOND ROUND AFTER 5-1 VICTORY OVER FOREST GREEN ROVERS WOMEN!

Match Report: Adobe Women’s FA Cup 1st Round, played on Sunday, 26th October, 2025.

FA Cup action returned to Princes Park as the Darts Women welcomed Forest Green Rovers Women to Princes Park in the 1st Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

A place in the second round was on the line and the home side sealed their place in the hat for the next round in emphatic style!

The Darts began the game with real intent and hit the ground running midway through the first half. In the 18th minute, after pinball inside the Forest Green box, the ball fell to Paris Smith who fired home for the opening goal of the game.

The home side continued to create the better chances in the first period and doubled the lead 11 minutes before the break. In the 34th minute, great work from Leila Awan found Lizzie Adams in space on the edge of the box. The shot from the Darts midfielder flew over the keeper and into the top corner to put the team in control of the tie at half time.

The visitors began the second half seeking a way back into the tie and they got a goal back early in the half. In the 54th minute, captain Hattie Jones’ shot from the edge of the box flew into the roof of the net to give the visitors a lifeline.

The early setback triggered an instant response from the home side and the two-goal cushion was restored nine minutes later. In the 63rd minute, Abbey Davies crossed from the right, with Amina Hanif rising highest of all to head home for the Darts.

The home side sealed their place in the next round with a strike of real quality 17 minutes from time. Darts captain Xayla-Rae Alberts with a fine strike from distance, which flew past the keeper and into the top corner.

The Darts continued to create chances and goal number five came the team’s way late on. In the 84th minute, Paris Smith smashed home from close range to seal a fine victory for the home side.

FT Dartford Women FC 5-1 Forest Green Rovers Women FC.

A fine performance from the Darts puts us in the hat for the next round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup! What a result! A big thank you to all the supporters! Onto the next one!

Team: Jade Charlton, Abbey Davies, Lizzie Adams, Leen Ekwo, Paris Smith, Xayla-Rae Alberts, Mya Lewis-Powell, Gabby Howell, Leila Awan, Ellie Dolby, Mercedes Bromfield.

Subs: Harriet Kwok (GK), Georgie Davis, Shauni Griffiths, Rochelle Mayne, Amina Hanif.

Connor Brennan

Photos by Joe Kwok, Kicks and Clicks and Mick How