North End, who were missing in form striker Hannah Bailey started the brighter of the two sides with plenty of possession and stroking the ball around with confidence

Their first sight on Curzon's goal was created by striker Sam Cadwallader, who was playing in a central role, with wingers Lynne Craig and Laura Walker either side of her. Cadwallader produced a nice turn to escape the tackle of Sophie Riley and elegantly played the ball over the top for Craig to narrowly fire over Laura Bracewell's bar.

North End maintained their pressure on the Curzon back line, as Willoughby and Walker were next to test Bracewell but unable to force the keeper into action.

Preston's persistence finally paid off in the 27th minute when the quick thinking of Tammy Burgess was to thank for the goal. North End were awarded a free kick inside their own half following a foul on Craig. Burgess spotted Walker unmarked and played a superb 45 yard pass to the winger, as the Ashton defence was fast asleep. Walker capitalised on the poor defending by striking an unstoppable shot on the half volley to give PNEWFC the lead.

Emma Reader, who had little to do during the first half, was called into action just before the interval as the keeper pulled off a smart save. A swerving cross by Ashton midfielder Amanda Goodwin was met by a strong punch from Reader, preventing Curzon's equaliser as North End finished the half in front.

Ten minutes after the restart, Curzon had their equaliser in a goal which would have angered boss Andy Burgess. A foul on the edge of the 18 yard box resulted in Goodwin ambitiously driving a low shot which was too hot for Reader to handle. The PNE stopper parried the shot straight to Emma Lambelurne's feet, who couldn't miss from three yards out.

Curzon wreaked all the positives from their goal and started to gain confidence, with Goodwin pulling all the strings from midfield.

Louise Cafferkay pulled off a brave last ditch tackle to prevent goal hero Lambelurne her second of the afternoon. The striker was through on goal, but Cafferkay tracked back well to slide in just when Lamberlune was going to pull the trigger. Cafferkay was injured in the process, but fortunately for PNEWFC's longest serving player she was able to continue.

Reader was again called into action pulling off another magnificent save, as Patrice Shirley was through on goal, but Reader's quick reactions kept the sides level.

Curzon finally punished the Lilywhites in the 70th minute as the visitors came from behind to take the lead in this thrilling cup tie. The goal was again a sloppy one to concede on Preston's behalf, as Reader, who was having a solid game, mishandled a shot allowing Lambelurne the easiest of chances to grab her second of the afternoon.

The major incident of the game was saved until the last few minutes, as Preston were outraged not to be awarded a penalty after Berry was alleged to have been brought down by keeper Bracewell. Berry broke into the Curzon box and after a collision with the keeper which knocked both players to the floor, Berry was first to get up but brought down once more by the goalkeeper, with the referee waving away North End claims.