British Airways Women's FC are through to the third round of the Russell Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Watford Youth.

After crashing out of the League Cup two weeks earlier, this competition iappears to be BA's only chance for silverware.

Heidi Kuivaniemi-Smith opening the scoring inside the first few minutes with a great solo effort.

She ran through the Watford midfield and defence before slotting it past the keeper.

Watford thought they were unlucky the referee did not award them a penalty shortly afterwards, but it was BA midfielder Katie Youell who got the next goal midway through the first half, when she spotted the keeper off her line and netted a spectacular lob from 30 yards.

BA went into the second half 2-0 up and defended solidly until an unfortunate mis-kick from captain Preeti Johal 20 minutes from time gifted Watford a chance to get one back.

The visitors then missed chances to wrap the game up with Kuivaniemi-Smith again working her way through the Watford defence only to see her shot sailed over the bar.

Lynsie Monroe also had an effort cleared off the line, denying her a debut BA goal.

BA defended well until the final whistle, with centre back Nicole Cho-Yee in fine form, and they were jubilant with the victory after a battling performance against a tough Watford side.

This Sunday, The first team are playing away in a league fixture against Fulham Compton OB, while the reserves host Hendon Reserves in the Sue Sharples Thorphy.