Goalkeeper Lauren Sayler was the hero for Winchester City Flyers after saving three penalties in the shootout following a 2-2 draw with Sholing in the Second Qualifying Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Libby Wilkinson and Annie Northwood put the Flyers in front twice, but Sholing hit back both times to ensure the game was decided on spot kicks.

Sayler then saved three penalties and scored her own to send the Flyers through to the next round of the FA Cup.

Emma Pearmine switched up her squad selection to hand Sayler her competitive debut, and new signing Tilly Plummer started on the bench.

Both teams came out of the traps quickly, but it was the hosts who had the early chances.

Kayleigh Tonks went close twice with a blocked shot and one that hit the side netting.

In the 12th minute, the Flyers broke the deadlock.

Sholing failed to clear their lines as Tonks slipped Laura da Silva into the box, where she cut the ball back for Wilkinson to fire in the opener.

Soon enough, both keepers were called into action. Grace Jenman claimed two opportunities before Sayler made a huge block to deny Sophie Lee.

With 34 minutes played, the visitors equalised through Ella Wilson, who picked up the ball and drove into the box.

The attacker took on four players before picking out the top corner.

Neither side managed to get a grip of the game as the game went to half-time, and even after the break, the two sides were evenly matched up.

Opportunities arrived for Winchester; the wall blocked a Wilkinson free-kick on the edge of the area before Sholing managed to deal with a flurry of corners.

The two sides pushed to gain an advantage, but neither could find a clear-cut opening with both defences holding firm until the 80th minute.

Plummer played Tonks through into the box, where she picked out Northwood, who controlled the ball past two defenders to restore Winchester’s lead.

Ten minutes later, though, Sholing once again pulled the score level.

A move that started from the back found the winger the space to drive down the right and pick out an unmarked Sophie Elmes to curl the ball into the net to send the game straight to penalties.

16-year-old Plummer stepped up for Winchester’s first penalty, which Jenman well saved before Sholing converted theirs to take the advantage.

The next three for Winchester (Northwood, Emma Whitlock and Lydia Moulding) were all buried before Sayler made her first save to make it 3-3.

Charlie Snelling had her tame effort saved by Jenman; however, Sholing, with the chance to win, had a second penalty stopped by Sayler.

Laura da Silva converted the sixth as did Sholing, before Sayler herself stepped up for Winchester’s seventh.

The American-born keeper slammed home hers before she then saved Sholing’s final penalty to send her side through to the next round.

A dramatic ending to a game of limited clear-cut chances that sees Winchester welcome Yeovil Town on Sunday, 5th October in the Third Round Qualifying.

Next up for the Flyers though, is a home league encounter against newly promoted Fleet Town this coming Sunday.

Full-time: Flyers 2 Sholing 2 (5-4 on penalties)