A hat-trick from Faye Lynch-Williams powered Peterhouse-Clare-Clare Hall (PCCH) to a 3-2 victory over Wolfson-Darwin-St Edmunds (WDSE) this Saturday. Having gone 1-0 down, PCCH clawed their way back to secure a semi-final spot in the women’s and non-binary football cuppers.

The Yellows were deserved winners, recovering from a slow start to impose themselves on the game. Confronted by a gritty WDSE defence, the inventive attacking play of Lynch-Williams and Louisa Henry proved decisive. Ahead of a semi-final clash with reigning champions Jesus, PCCH will take confidence from a gritty comeback victory.

WDSE claimed an early lead through Mia Hassoun, who slotted home coolly after the ball broke loose in the box. Remaining on the front-foot, the Reds threatened to double their lead, firing narrowly over and wide from two good chances.

With the game slipping away, PCCH kicked into gear. Showcasing their undying commitment to gegenpressing, the Yellows forced WDSE back, and began to dominate the ball, with Henry providing tempo from midfield.

Despite strong team play, it was individual ingenuity that brought the equaliser. Lynch-Williams cut inside from the right-wing, evading the challenges of two defenders before firing into the top right-hand corner.

Parity was almost short-lived, as WDSE threatened the PCCH goal once more. A counter-attack sent the Reds’ striker through on goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Lily Sear.

With the scores level at the break, it was all to play for in the second half. PCCH capitalised on a strong start, racing into a 2-1 lead. Latching onto an inch-perfect Henry through-ball, Lynch-Williams claimed her second with a neat finish into the bottom-right corner.

A resurgent WDSE found an equaliser through an outstanding team goal. Having worked the ball through midfield, the Reds found space out wide. A teasing ball into the box found Mia Hassoun, who guided the ball into the bottom-right corner.

In a cagey conclusion to the game, Lynch-Williams was once again the difference-maker. WDSE failed to clear a corner ball, and the PCCH winger pounced, beating the keeper from close-range. Resilient defence maintained the lead, and PCCH celebrated a momentous win.

Varsity Player of the Match: Faye Lynch-Williams