Dunia Susi double helps Notts County Ladies progress to next round of FA Women’s Cup

A double from player-of-the-match Dunia Susi was enough to seal the Super League side’s nervy passage into the next round.

The Magpies dominated the game and controlled large spells of territory and possession, but were unable to break down the resolute City rearguard and turn chances in to goals.

Karen Clough pulled a goal back for City in stoppage time, but it was too little too late for the plucky Premier League National division side.

But County, who kick off their Super League season against Arsenal on Wednesday, know they will need to step up a level if they are to compete for honours.

Notts County, who were playing their first ever game as Notts County following their controversial change from Lincoln Ladies, started brightest and forced an early corner after Caitlin Friend’s shot was blocked.

Dunia Susi then tested Coventry goalkeeper Susan Wood on 10 minutes before Hayley Ladd cleared a dangerous through-ball a minute later as the Super League side increased the pressure.

Coventry nearly took the lead when Nikki Miles unleashed a powerful 25 yard drive with their first attack on 14 minutes.

But dominant Notts were ahead on 23 minutes when Susi brilliantly burst past three City defenders before firing past Wood.

Katie Hoyle’s long-range effort was palmed to safety by the diving Wood on 57 minutes as County looked to double their lead.

Coventry, who play two divisions below County, had a major let off on 60 minutes after Susi’s goalbound effort was headed out for a corner by Beth Poppleton after City had failed to clear their lines.

Helen Dermody wasted a rare chance for the underdogs as she fired straight at Telford in the County goal on 65 minutes.

Susi bagged her second of the game to seal the win on 76 minutes after excellent link up play with Katie Hoyle carved the visitors open.

Plucky City bagged a consolation goal in injury time when sub Karen Clough slotted home after Notts County had switched off at the back.

Notts County (3-5-2): Telford; Bradley, Corsie, Turner; Walton, Holtham, Hoyle (Sweetman-Kirk 80), Roberts, Susi; Clarke, Friend.

Subs not used: Draycott, Green, Haywood, Thronley.

Coventry City (4-4-2): Wood; Johnson, Lynch, Toussaint, Poppleton (Clough 84); Ladd, Miles, Anderson, Dermody: Brace. Gauntlett (Neville 62).

Subs not used: Malpass, Sammon.

Attendance: 309.

Ref: Robert Atkin.