Following yesterday’s record-breaking Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final, Hashtag United striker Samantha Rowland was presented with the Golden Ball Award in partnership with Mitre after being confirmed as the competition’s top scorer.
Sammy Rowland of Hashtag United is presented with the Golden Ball Award prior to the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
In its second year of existence, the award was established to commemorate the top scorer in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, from First Round Qualifying onwards.
Throughout the competition, Rowland scored 11 goals for the South East Division One Side, which included two hat-tricks in the Third Round Qualifying and Third Round Proper, either side of a remarkable five goal contribution in the First Round Proper fixture against Colney Heath.
Rowland’s impressive scoring record led Hashtag United to their best ever Vitality Women’s FA Cup season, reaching the Fourth Round Proper for the first time, when they were knocked out by Barclays Women’s Championship side Coventry United.
To recognise Rowland’s goal scoring feats in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup this season, the Hashtag United striker was invited to receive her award from former England international Fern Whelan at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
Vitality Women’s FA Cup Golden Ball Award in partnership with Mitre winner Samantha Rowland said: “Being invited to Wembley Stadium to be presented with the Golden Ball Award in partnership with Mitre made for a truly magical day. Also having the opportunity to walk the match ball out onto the pitch with the teams was a moment I’ll never forget.”
With thanks to the FA via Matchfit
