Salford Lionesses have been eliminated from the Women’s FA Cup after a late defeat to Bolton Wanderers Women.
The Lionesses were coming off the back of a 4-3 defeat against Blackburn Rovers Women, and would’ve been hoping to get a victory over the team in the league below.
And with the home advantage at the Peninsula Stadium, it looked to play heavily in favour for the Lionesses.
Chris Hughes’ side were in complete control, sharing majority of the possession looking the more dangerous of the two sides.
With the Salford defence being able to breakdown counterattacks efficiently.
Eventually their first half performance was rewarded in added time, with Keri Sampson getting the opener in the cup tie.
The corner came into the box and landed at the feet of the winger, who had no hesitation in smashing the ball off the crossbar and into the net.
With the half time whistle sounding, the Lionesses were in high spirits, being one step closer to the next round of the FA Cup tie.
Surprisingly, the second half didn’t follow the script for the Ammies.
The game developed Bolton to grow into the game, with the strong defensive line of Salford being more susceptible to the counter-attacks.
With Hughes responding to these threats an hour into the game by bringing on fresh legs in midfield.
Lily Robinson was replaced for the nominated NWFA Women’s Player of the season Ellen Thornton.
However, in the 67th minute Bolton were able to break once again on the counter-attack, with Molly Kay being played through.
The Wanderers forward was able to get a shot at goal off, being saved by Grace Pomfret.
However, despite Pomfret’s best efforts the shot had too much power, lifting over the keeper and narrowly crossing the line for the equaliser.
And with a goal coming with 20 minutes to go, it really opened up the game for both sides.
With Salford ramping up the pressure, leaving their back line exposed for the Wanderers to break.
Despite the Lionesses best efforts at the Bolton keeper, they could only muster corners, much to the frustration of the home support.
But things only went from bad to worse, in the final moments of added time with the Wanderers breaking down the left wing.
With Bolton’s Grace Booth was able to slot it past the Salford keeper for the lead.
A heart-breaking defeat for the Lionesses, with the Bolton bench coming on the pitch to celebrate with the goal scorer.
Chris Hughes will have to turn the sides attention towards Sundays fixture against Tranmere Rovers Women.
FT – It’s defeat in the cup for our Lionesses.
[1-2] 🦁🔴 pic.twitter.com/9XoGu4mcLv
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) October 1, 2023
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