Lucy Farrow’s first hat-trick for City fired the Imps into the final of the County Cup - where a fascinating local derby with Lincoln United awaits.
City beat Stamford in a dominant display at Moorlands, and started brightly as they utilised the width provided by Maddi Green and Farrow to create a number of early chances.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute as Jodie Steadman’s deflected shot landed at the feet of Toni McHamilton who poked it past the Stamford goalkeeper Emily Smith.
City continued to apply pressure on the opposition with McHamilton winning a free-kick on the edge of the box. The resultant left-footed strike from Green went narrowly over.
Moments later McHamilton worked her way down the right-hand side of the pitch and her cross-come-shot skimmed the top of the crossbar.
In the 33rd minute, Green picked the ball up in the opposition's half and played a perfectly weighted pass through to Farrow who slotted home her first goal of the match to make it 2-0.
Two minutes later, the Imps had a third. Abi Ringrose powerfully struck from outside the box and lifted the ball over the outstretched hand of Smith.
Stamford showed attacking intent but were unable to test Poppy Irvine during the first half. Their best chance fell to Yasmin Green who fired over following good work from Keeley Jackson.
The half-time whistle blew with Lee Mitchell’s side leading 3-0 and in control of the game. Sinead Fletcher, Katie Williams and Rachael Howes all come off the bench for the second period.
As the second half began, City continued to search for a fourth goal. It came in the 54th minute as Farrow swung in an enticing corner and Katy Thornley was in the right place to turn the ball in at the far post as she marked her first 90 minutes in a year - after recovery from a serious injury - with a goal.
Stamford reduced the deficit moments later as the ball was squared to Molly Cunningham who made no mistake in finishing into the empty net.
City keeper Irvine was involved in a nasty collision before the ball was played to Cunningham and, after a break in play, had to be replaced in goal by City defender Howes for the final 30 minutes with Chyna Macintosh able to return from the bench due to the competition’s rolling substitutes rule.
There was to be no comeback for Stamford and the Imps soon restored their four-goal advantage as McHamilton broke down the right and crossed to Farrow for her second of the afternoon.
Thornley was almost rewarded for her attacking persistence with another goal, as Smith’s clearance fell kindly at the feet of the right-back but her effort was deflected behind for a corner.
In the 86th minute, Ringrose played a brilliant pass through to the onrushing Farrow, who kept her composure to slot home for her first City hat-trick.
As the game approached its end, McIntosh cleared the ball off the line after a Stamford header beat Howes.
The County Cup final against Lincoln United is scheduled to be played at the Jakemans Community Stadium on Sunday 23 April. The match will be all-ticket for all supporters.
