Amy James-Turner on shootout success in the Women’s FA Cup
Mon 11 March 2024, 16:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Amy James-Turner praised the impact of the substitutes after the penalty shootout success over Manchester City to secure a historic spot in the semi-final of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
The 32-year-old was influential in our victory over Gareth Taylor’s side – just the second time we have beaten City in our history – as the defender’s long-ball forward caused mayhem for the visitors’ backline and allowed Bethany England to race through on-goal before slotting home deep in injury time.
As the game ended 1-1 in 120 minutes, it went to penalties and after Becky Spencer saved two of City’s spot-kicks, Amy was our final taker in the shootout and had to score to ensure our place in the last four but, despite the pressure on her shoulders, our number four sent Khiara Keating the wrong way and calmly converted.
When asked about turning to attacker in the final moments, Amy said: “We started doing it in the last few games and we practiced it in training to change formation, going up top with Bethany is a strange one, but it disrupts the back four sometimes.
“I just tried to get something on the ball and help it on, Bethany has finished that brilliantly and I’m so happy for her. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet that we are in the semi-final of the FA Cup, I have only been to the final once, so it will be great to get there and, hopefully, win this time around.”
The defender also praised the introduction of substitutes throughout the game, she added: “We have definitely taken steps this season and I’m proud of everyone, the substitutes that came on, especially Rosella [Ayane] who made a great impact.
“So, a special mention to her as she has dealt with a lot, to come onto the pitch and run like she did, as a defender, I would have hated to be on the end of her running in behind. The whole squad was brilliant, the starters, the substitutes, it felt like everyone was with us and that really helped us get over the line.”
