The 10 Lionesses county cup run ends but with our heads held high. We went in at half time all square but had the better of the opportunities which on another day we may of put the game to bed. That said we played some great football and limited a very physical Sutton sides chances.

With Aleeza dominating in the middle alongside Elsie she was a massive loss when she had to leave the field. Made more difficult when we also lost one of our leads Liv at half time.

The Lionesses played the entire second half with only 10 players and defensively made it difficult for Sutton to break us down. It was only a late loose pass that let them in to take the lead.

Not deterred the Lionesses continued to create opportunities on the counterattack but we just couldn’t get over the line.

Or could they, as Jess on the back of another late challenge gave us a free kick on the edge of the box. Up stepped Elsie but the ball was adjudged not to have cross the line.

So that ends our cup journey but today did feel more like a win for our football as the girls dealt with some interesting tactics and played some great football.

They are really gelling as a group, playing with great structure and moving the ball round well.

Coach Roscoe was massively proud of the girls today. A couple playing out of position, playing the whole second half with 10 and a couple taking knocks, the opposition still could not break us down and we continued to have chances at the other end. We played the better football, just couldn’t get over the line.

Whole team deserve credit as everyone stepped up, with many responding to the individual challenges they have been set. Special shout outs to a couple of players today.

Edie and Ava were faultless at the back, particularly the second half, forming a great centre half partnership.

Jess playing out of position in the second half as we had to readjust with limited personnel. Jess put in a captains performance and never stopped trying to create opportunities, riding multiple challenges. She ran some great lines and her leadership on the pitch was a pleasure to watch.

Elsie was a level above the whole pitch today. Worked tirelessly in the middle defensively and gave the opposition nightmares in attack. Elsie has been an absolute pleasure to coach this season, resulting in her being in fantastic form. Her decision making and composure on the ball means she was often the architect of our chances going forward and was never afraid to get back providing some defensive cover. Elsie was everywhere in the middle today and fully deserves the award of Axiom Ltd Player of the Match.

Well done girls, your football and defensive desire was the winner today and you should be incredibly proud of how you conducted yourself on the pitch today.

The game finished 2-1 to the home side.

We go again next week against Leicester United.