It was a good game throughout and we are extremely proud of how well the team played, I thought we were slightly the better team on a whole, but it was close and fair to say it could have gone either way.

It is extremely hard to manage so many subs in a game like that, it is clear by making changes it upsets the flow of the game and was almost a shame to take players off just as they were settling in. But I’d like to show confidence in each and every girl so they have the opportunity to play for a reasonable amount of time and enjoy the challenge of a second round Cup game, and I thought the majority of players did put in a good shift.

Talking about putting in a good shift, onto ‘super’ Zoe, like I said at the end, she always plays with drive and determination and is an absolute engine. She plays at a high level and is just quality, earning herself a well-deserved goal. Sofia made some brilliant saves, playing her part in a thrilling game. Another star today was Jess, she settled into the match and looked like a stand out player – really impressed with the last couple of matches from this young player and she has really gelled well with the team.

Nice work from Ellie and Evie in defence, again similar to Zoe there’s a nice quality to the football: well positioned, quick scan, a good confident first touch, look up and always a well delivered pass – and more defence specific, first to the ball on many occasions, nicely timed tackles, blocking the opposition and good game awareness to cover when another defender commits. Emily too was first to the ball in a couple of crucial 50/50 open play. And, I really apricated Jasmine in the CB position - a few no nonsense clearances were needed near the end of the game and Jasmine did a good job. Recently, Jasmine has played most outfield positions and has shown confidence in them all – she really wants to play up front, but I do like how she has applied herself too in MID and DEF.

I was over the moon to see Lily-May hit home a good left footer adding to her confidence she is building each week. I’m loving the progress that Greta is making, which is why we have chosen her again for player of the match – same as the last match, strength, speed, stamina with a dash of toughness, is a good set of ingredients to be a great footballer.

An exciting near miss from today: Myah receives the ball in the MID, neat pass to Edie on the left, who shoots off along the wing, under pressure her intended cross from a tight angle hits the post, Layla strikes the rebound from close range and hits the inside of the other post, the ball roles along the line kisses the other post again - another strike from Pride Park hits the outside of the post and into the side netting for a goal kick!

It went to penalties and I was so sad to see the disappointment on the girls faces when things didn’t go our way. It is an enormous amount of pressure for children so young.