Stourbridge ladies captain Courteney Murphy said she is “so proud of this team” after they reached the FA Cup second round for the first time in history.
Her stunning 40 yard strike in the 92nd minute against Derby secured her sides place in the hat for the second round draw.
Murphy said: “Words can’t describe how proud I am of this team, and I’m glad on a more personal note that I could win us the game.
“As club captain I’m so proud of all the girls hard work throughout the game and how much we shown togetherness when we needed it most.”
Prior to the game against Derby, Courteney had been out of action for six months due to injury. For the final qualifying match against Solihull Sporting she just missed out but was determined more than ever to appear against The Ewes.
Murphy added: “It’s amazing to be back out there in the FA Cup, I’ve worked so hard to get myself back stronger and fitter than I was before my injury.
“The backroom staff who have helped me are out of this world so to come back and score the goal that sees us break history again is fabulous.”
Stourbridge were under a lot of pressure throughout the game with constant Derby attacks in the second half. However, Murphy saw the keeper off her line in the 92nd minute and the rest is history…
Her manager Andy Fisher was full of praise for his captain after the game but Murphy had a special message for him.
Courteney said: “Andy is the kind of manager who has so much pride for the badge and the club.
“He has built a family at Stourbridge and the girls work just as hard off the pitch as they do on it.
“Also a special mention to Mike Harris, what a tactical genius he is, both of them are incredible and they continue to push me and the girls to the max every week.”
The second round draw took place on Monday November 15. Murphy’s side face a trip away to Cambridge City Ladies from Tier 4 on Sunday November 28.
Courteney added: “I feel if we believe in ourselves we can do anything and get through just like did against Derby.”
Murphy and the girls return to action on Sunday November 21, against Darlaston Town in the Birmingham County Cup at 2pm. The game will take place at: Hingleys, Bluebell Road, Cradley Heath B64 5NN. Adults can pay £1 to watch on the day, while U16s can attend for free.
Sporty AF 