Altrincham FC Women's historic run in the Adobe Women's FA Cup continued this afternoon as they reached the second round with a nail-biting 3-2 win at Penrith.

First half goals from Georgia McKnight, Milla Jacobson and Kira Saycell were enough to seal victory on a wet afternoon in Cumbria for the Robins, who've now won four ties in this season's competition, the last three being away from home.

Ben Edwards reports from Frenchfield Stadium (with photos from Jonathan Moore).

The deadlock was broken for the visitors after just 85 seconds. Milla Jacobson played an excellent ball through to Georgia McKnight, who beat the offside trap and produced a composed finish beyond Hope Lawson into the bottom right corner.

Just 12 minutes later, Altrincham’s advantage was doubled, as Lawson’s clearance was picked up by Jacobson in midfield. Her turn beat three players incredibly, as the right-winger drove forward and converted one-on-one into the left-hand side of the goal.

Having conceded an early two-goal deficit, Penrith came to life and enjoyed a sustained spell of possession in the Altrincham half. Abby Forster did find the back of the net, placing the ball into the bottom right corner, but the offside flag was up.

Despite seeing the majority of the ball, the hosts were unable to create any clear-cut chances, coming closest with a free kick on the left flank conceded by Jacobson. It was whipped to the back post, but headed wide of the left post.

The Robins’ were rewarded for standing firm defensively, as Kira Saycell chased Ireymika Bammigboye’s long ball forward, and was dragged down by a defender with the referee point to the spot.

Having won the penalty, the number seven stepped up to take the spot kick, and although it lacked power, Lawson was routed to the spot as Saycell placed the ball into the bottom right.

With five minutes remaining of the first half, Olivia Kaleta’s pass to Katie Locke was intercepted, though the former produced a sensational stop one-on-one, putting the ball behind for a corner with her right foot.

Other than that, the visitors were restricted to shots from range in the first half as Alty entered the interval with a 3-0 lead.

Penrith needed a fast start in the second period if they were to salvage anything from the game, and they got just that. Top scorer Kerry Mallinson, who already had 10 Adobe Women’s FA Cup goals to her name, was introduced at half time.

She played an instrumental part in Penrith’s goal just two minutes into the second half, though it was Poppy Sinden fired home from the right-hand side of the penalty area.

Penrith pilled on the pressure throughout the second half, and like the first, Altrincham looked to hit them on the counter-attack, though with less success, despite the hosts having to playing with outfielder Heather Fawkes between the sticks.

The crowd erupted into celebration with nine minutes remaining as it looked as though Abbie Forster had fired home, though it flew into the side netting.

Penrith’s deficit was halved as a corner from the right was scrambled home by Charlotte Smith, making it a nervy five minutes of added time.

Nevertheless, Daryll Abrahams’ side managed the game excellently, seeing out the final periods of the game and securing progression to the next stage of the competition.

All eyes are now on tomorrow's second round draw, which takes place live on TNT Sports' YouTube channel from 7pm ahead of the next set of ties taking place on Sunday, November 23rd.

Interested in sponsoring one of Altrincham FC Women's players for the rest of 2025/26? All the info can be found here.