Norwich City ladies upbeat despite FA Cup KO

Viv Thomas Norwich City Ladies 1, Yeovil Ladies 3: The Canaries were knocked out of the Women's FA Cup fourth round this afternoon, succumbing to three goals by their visitors from the south west.

Viv Thomas

Norwich City Ladies 1, Yeovil Ladies 3

The Canaries were knocked out of the Women's FA Cup fourth round this afternoon, succumbing to three goals by their visitors from the south west.

But despite the disappointment, City co-manager Emma Fletcher remained upbeat after the game, praising the team for a great cup run and saying it had been great publicity for women's football in Norfolk.

In a coup for the club, the Football Association has selected the game to be shown on its website www.thefa.com tomorrow (Monday) in highlights form.

“It's always disappointing to lose a game of football but to lose in the FA Cup is even more disappointing,” said Fletcher. “But it has been a great cup run. We have flown the flag for Norwich and Norfolk and have played some teams we haven't played before. It is something the players have really enjoyed. It has given us an insight into how to play next year - we will bounce back!

“We're feeling down in the dumps at the moment but we still have cups to fight for this season, and to try and finish second in the league or even win it. There are still things to be hopeful for.”

City took the lead in the ninth minute with a goal by Paige Shorten who netted after Chelsea Garrett, Jodie Drake and Nic Bray had produced some good link-up work. Drake's shot was palmed away and landed near Shorten, who made no mistake in firing home.

But two goals conceded in quick succession early in the second half made it an uphill struggle for the Norfolk side, and Yeovil added another before the final whistle.

Fletcher said the cup run had not only been good for the club but for raising the profile of women's football in Norfolk too.

“Lots of local clubs have wished us good luck and I think it has put Norwich - and Norfolk - on the map in women's football. It was nice while it has lasted and there's always next year.”

The ending of the FA Cup run means that City can at last play King's Lynn Ladies in the quarter-finals of the Norfolk and Suffolk County Cup which will be next Sunday, with the venue yet to be announced.