West bow out of the FA Cup at the 3rd qualifying round stage, with a familiar outcome against FC United.

West battled well in the opening half hour, denying FC any clear chances, and also enjoying a couple of decent spells of possession of their own.

However, the opening goal came for FC on 32 minutes, old adversary Kirsty Chambers receiving the ball on the edge of the area, advancing and drilling a low shot across Claire and into the bottom corner. Less than 2 minutes later and the same player doubled FC’s lead. West failed to intercept a cross across the 6 yard area and it was a routine finish.

West made a change at half-time, Annabell Veryard on for Jami Hodges which meant a reshuffle at the back. An early goal for West was essential but unfortunately it was the visitors who extended their lead with a close range finish on 58 minutes.

Further changes for West on 65 minutes saw Arshi Zahoor and Rachel Mason replace Paris Ford and Sophie Sumner respectively.

West did score a couple of minutes later, and what a strike it was. Annabell hitting a free-kick from all of 40 yards that beat the keeper and dipped under the crossbar. 1-3.

Unfortunately we were unable to push on from this goal, and despite some decent pressure in the last 10 minutes or so, a well struck shot by Sophie Bracegirdle was the only time we managed to test the FC keeper.

Team: Jefferson (GK), Blöchl, Sumner (Mason 65′), Vyas, Hodges (Veryard 46′), Kerr, Edmondson (c), Bowett-Robinson, Bracegirdle, Ford (Zahoor 65′), Gunn

Unused subs: Smith, Wright, Caddick, Mundell

Scorer: Veryard