LADIES FOOTBALL: Star go through but Netherton make them fight

Cassie Steward equalises for Northern Star to make it 2-2 against Netherton. Picture: Tim Gates

East Midlands League Premier Division title-chasers Star found themselves trailing 2-0 to the Cambs League Premiership side with almost an hour gone at Chestnut Avenue but eventually triumphed 5-2 to earn a semi-final clash with Corby Town away on February 19.

Netherton opened the scoring on 39 minutes with a goal by Sian Gamble and went 2-0 up through Megan Strickland on 51 minutes.

Cassie Steward started the Star fightback with a goal four minutes later and then levelled matters when latching on to a lovely through-ball by Donna Nicholls.

Sophie Patterson makes it 3-2 to Northern Star. Picture: Tim Gates

Steward then turned provider to set up Sophie Patterson as Star took the lead for the first time and then with 10 minutes left she completed her hat-trick to make it 4-2.

Chanade Henderson added Star’s fifth goal with two minutes remaining.