Fitz-Corpus came back from two goals down to overcome Christs-Churchill-Lucy Cavendish (CCLC) in extra-time in their Cuppers first round clash on Saturday (19/11).

The two sides, both title contenders in Division One, were amongst the favourites to win the Women and Non-Binary Cuppers.

Five goals from Nia Hall, including an audacious effort from inside her own half, powered Fitz-Corpus to a close-fought victory.

Fitz-Corpus were punished for a slow start, but rallied to level the scores and force extra-time, in which two exquisite strikes from Nia Hall secured the victory.

CCLC raced into an early lead, slotting home from close-range after some strong team play. Remaining on the offensive, they won a free-kick on the edge of the Fitz-Corpus box and Nicole Chiu’s swerving effort gave CCLC a two goal lead.

Minutes before half-time, Hall gave the Maroons a lifeline, powering home from close-range.

However, another setback for Fitz-Corpus came after the break. Chiu lashed home from long-range once again, restoring a two-goal advantage.

Once again, Fitz-Corpus clawed their way back. Hall tucked home a second and then, with minutes to spare, levelled the scores with a coolly taken goal.

With the score at 3-3, the game went into extra-time. This time, Fitz-Corpus took the initiative. Straight from kick-off, Natalie Rose teed-up Hall, who fired goalward from inside her own half. Keeper Alice O’Brien could only watch as the audacious attempt rocketed into the CCLC net.

CCLC quickly levelled, but another outstanding effort sealed the win for Fitz-Corpus. A desperate challenge prevented Hall from another kick-off strike, but the foul proved costly. Hall’s curling effort found the back of the net and Fitz-Corpus claimed the win.