Durham Women bowed out the Vitality Women’s FA Cup after a spirited performance against Birmingham City.
The Wildcats were the dominant side in the second half after a low-key opening period, but were beaten by a Louise Quinn header against the run of play.
And despite some late pressure, the top tier side clung on to seal their progress.
Durham made four changes from the side that lost against Bristol City as Sarah Robson, Megan Borthwick, Liz Ejupi and Bridget Galloway came into the side.
And it was the hosts who had the first real chance of the game midway inside the first-half, as Beth Hepple sent a half-volley whistling narrowly wide of the post.
The opening 45 minutes saw few real chances created, with Veatriki Sarri drilling wide from 20 yards for the Blues as both defences held strong.
But the game opened up after the break with Durham beginning to ask some real questions of their opponents.
Lauren Briggs sent an effort from range narrowly over before Ejupi saw a goal chalked-out for offside after substitute Ellie Christon saw an effort parried into her path.
Briggs then came even closer when she saw a powerful drive acrobatically tipped over the bar by Marie Hourihan as Durham piled on the pressure.
But against the run of play, Birmingham took the lead – Quinn steering a header home from a corner.
Borthwick then had make a fine double save to keep out Louanne Worsey as the Blues looked to double their advantage, but the final throws of the game were all about Durham.
Emily Roberts saw an effort charged down before Sarah Robson’s volley was repelled by Hourihan.
There was to be no late drama, however, as the Wildcats exit the competition.

Recap

STARTING ELEVEN
Durham W v Birmingham W

Video

Details

Date Time League Season Full Time
February 27, 2022 1:00 pm FA Cup 2021_2022 0'

Ground

Maiden Castle, Durham
City of Durham, County Durham, North East England, England, DH1 3SE, United Kingdom

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoalsOutcome
Durham W000Loss
Birmingham W011Win

Durham W

1Naoisha McAloon Goalkeeper
2Kathryn Hill Defender
3Lauren Briggs Midfielder
4Mollie Lambert 15 Midfielder
5Sarah Wilson Defender
6Sarah Robson Midfielder
7Beth Hepple Midfielder
11Bridget Galloway 17 Forward
13Megan Borthwick Goalkeeper
14Becky Salicki Defender
15Dee Bradley 4 Defender
16Ellie Christon 24 Defender
17Emily Roberts 11 Forward
24Abby Holmes 16 Defender
37Liz Ejupi Forward