IT was heartbreak for Worcester City Women as they ended up on the wrong side of a thrilling Vitality Women's FA Cup tie to bow out 4-3 to Coventry Sphinx Ladies in front of a record attendance for a women's game at Claines Lane.
309 Attendance today!
— Worcester City Women FC (@WCFCWomen) November 13, 2022
We are so thankful for your support, we really do have the best fans. #LaFamilia forever 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/M2mRxnthTP
309 supporters watched on as the hosts went 2-0 ahead inside just eight minutes of the kick-off thanks to Freya Harrad and Jess Fassnidge's penalty.
But the visitors pulled one back after just 12 minutes before an equaliser right on the stroke of half-time saw Coventry go into the changing rooms all square.
City re-took the lead with another penalty as captain Fassnidge again made no mistake from the spot but as in the first-half, Sphinx refused to be beaten and this time it was their turn to convert from 12 yards as a handball was given in the box to equalise for the second time in the game.
At 3-3 after 90 minutes the game went to extra time and it would be the away side who won the game in the 103rd minute to book their place in the second-round having beaten a side from the league above.
A disappointing afternoon for Worcester but with more spectators at the game than on Tuesday night for the men's league win over Racing Club Warwick, it was a positive day for women's football in the city.
After the match, players and fans took to social media to explain the magnitude of such a crowd.
Midfielder Sophie Griffiths;
You’ll probably question why I came away today with a smile on my face. Winning aside, today was about inspiring. 300 in attendance, including young female footballers, some of which I’d taught before. The reality of how much we make an impact. I’m honoured to be a part of this💙 https://t.co/EUwIDR6L7A
— S Griffiths (@SGriffiths_PE) November 13, 2022
Supporter Gavin Fry added:
So proud of all today. You wore the blue and white with pride. Good luck to Coventry on their future this season. Could not ask a single player to give any more. Emotional rollercoaster for all, including the fans, who were fantastic as well. WCFC 💙🤍💛 #LaFamilia
— Gavin Fry (@GavinFry20) November 13, 2022
And CEO of Worcester City Women FC, Nicole Allison, said:
Bursting with pride today. We entertained our record attendance of over 300 fans. We inspired EVERY generation. So much goes into running this football club and to see so many people feel an identity with our club and city means the 🌎 Thank you to everyone involved 💙🤍 https://t.co/Ps1rR8mFwO
— Nicole Allison (@NicoleAllison2) November 13, 2022
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