Defeat for the Nuts and Bolts Ladies shatters hopes of a cup win

Ashford United Ladies’ cup run has come to an end following a 0 – 6 semi-final defeat to Charlton Athletic Women on Wednesday night. 

The Nuts and Bolts Ladies had comfortably cruised through the opening rounds of the Isthmian Reposs Women’s Cup, with a 9-0 victory over Burgess Hill Town to their name. 

The ladies are ready!! 🟢🟡 #COYNAB #AUFC pic.twitter.com/bXjXDf3gAw

— Ashford United Ladies FC (@AshfordLadiesFC) January 18, 2023

However in the semi-final clash, it was Honor Norton’s 27^th minute goal that became the first of many for Charlton, with Jessie Gale securing a second before the half-time whistle. 

Norton picked up another goal in the second half, alongside Courtney Cook’s two and a blinder from Izzy Tomlin.

Despite the Nuts and Bolts Ladies having very little of the ball, they still created numerous chances in front of a crowd of 167. 

Ashford Ladies player, Charlotte Marsh said: “On another day we would’ve scored from those chances. 

“We always knew we’d be the underdogs against Charlton.”

After being knocked out of their first midweek cup competition, Ashford Ladies boss, Steve Howard, said after the match: “The team will need to recover after that. They’ll be aching bones in that changing room.”

FT | @AshfordLadiesFC 0-6 @CAWFC_clubnews

Our cup runs ends here. Thank you Charlton for joining us in a minute silence before the game. Means a lot to us. All the best for the final.

🟢🟡 #COYNAB #AUFC pic.twitter.com/ZcCO8nMpiE

— Ashford United Ladies FC (@AshfordLadiesFC) January 18, 2023

The boss revealed that the league is their focus now, and with nine unbeaten performances, the Nuts and Bolts Ladies are high-flying. 

Charlotte Marsh said this Sunday’s home game to Steyning Town Community is “massive”. 

She said: “It’s our first league game since the Christmas break, and it’s important we continue as we started, by bringing home the three points, and extending our unbeaten run.”

The league clash kicks off at 3pm, at the Homelands Stadium. 

NEXT UP | We return to league action

Sunday 22nd Jan
🆚 @stcfcwomen
🕒 15:00 KO
📍Homelands Stadium, TN26 1NJ
🎟️ £5 Adults, £3 Concessions, Free U18’s

🟢🟡 #COYNAB #AUFC pic.twitter.com/PcaVQ7JgcI

— Ashford United Ladies FC (@AshfordLadiesFC) January 19, 2023

Charlton now face Billericay Town in the final of the Isthmian Reposs Women’s Cup, hosted at Lewes FC.