Beeston’s Issy Davison in action for the Bees. Photo c/o Phil Kielthy

The Investec Women’s Cup second round took place this past weekend with some eye catching results up and down the country, including some big names falling victim to giant killing feats. 
The Whirlowdale Bees managed to squeeze past Sutton Coldfield in the second round on Sunday after a penalty shootout. The score at full time was 1-1 which meant penalties had to decide which team would progress to the next round. The Bees managed to hold their nerves and eventually came out 3-2 winners.
Cup holders Clifton Robinsons negotiated their way past Gloucester City with little alarm, winning 5-1 but some of their illustrious rivals were not so fortunate.
Reading who have endured a tough start to the season fell to cup heroes Barnes. Barnes took Surbiton out last season and were at it again thanks to two goals form Helen Stubbs which helped them to a 4-3 win over the Investec Women’s Premier Division side.
Another high-profile casualty was University of Birmingham. Stourport, top of the West Conference held the students to a 2-2 draw and went on to clinch the penalty shootout 3-1.
Last year’s beaten finalists Buckingham were dumped out of the competition by the Conference East’s form side, Sevenoaks who ran out 2-1 winners.
Slough and Bowdon Hightown made it through to the next round with wins over Tulse Hill and Dulwich and Timperley whilst Surbiton won the tie of the round against fellow Premier division outfit East Grinstead 3-1.
There were also wins for Boots, Loughborough Students, Hampstead and Westminster, Liverpool Sefton, Maidenhead, Bath Buccaneers, Trojans and Ben Rhydding.
The draw for the next round has already been made and has produced some interesting ties. Beeston will travel away to Bath Buccaneers. Cup holders Clifton take on Stouport who will be hoping for another upset. Barnes’ reward for another high profile scalp is an away trip to Boots. The two free-scoring Conference East sides Sevenoaks and Hampstead and Westminster will clash.
Loughborough Students, currently the form side in the North conference with four wins in their last five will hope to upset the odds when they travel to Slough.
Surbiton play host to Maidenhead whilst Bowdon Hightown make the short journey to Liverpool Sefton. Not quite as short a journey for Trojans who will head to Ben Rhydding.
Ties take place on 6 November and in keeping with the time of year, there are sure to be plenty of fireworks in these ties!