Sunday February 22, 2009
FA Women's Cup, Shawbridge
Rovers 0-2 Everton

Rovers Ladies were denied a place in the final four of the FA Women's Cup after losing to Everton for the third time this season.

Two goals in the space of three first-half minutes proved enough for Everton to win this hard-fought quarter-final contest.

Fara Williams fired the visitors in front with a dipping 18th-minute free-kick and the victory was secured moments later when the England midfielder teed up in-form striker Natasha Dowie to volley home the second.

Rovers improved after the interval, with former Toffee Amy Kane firing narrowly wide from a free-kick, whilst Jill Scott struck the woodwork for the visitors.

After the game, assistant manager Kieran Bentley said: "Our first-half performance was very disappointing. It was no surprise that we found ourselves 2-0 down and we were very lucky it wasn't more.

"A few stern words were said to the players in the dressing room at half-time and after shuffling the formation, the players put in a performance which they could be proud of in the second half.

"We were the better team after the break and competed well in all areas of the pitch. But against teams like Everton, you've got to compete for 90 minutes and if you don't, then you find yourselves out of competitions.

"We've got seven league games left between now and the end of the season and every player will be under the microscope, so we'll be looking for the right response."

ROVERS: Parker, Harding, Twohig, Shepherd, Brewer, Burke, Kane, Campbell (Hanson 46), Parry (McDougall 75), Preston, Anderton.

Subs not used: Ashworth, Pailing, Roberts.