It was a tough game for the Ladies today in the cup that saw them go out to very feisty Westside Ladies team. The game opened with Borough having the upper hand and creating a fair few chances that were not capitalised upon. There were narrow misses by Lisa Manley and Laura Mott in the first 10 minutes and despite Westside trying to counter-attack, their activity in the final third was lacking and did not threaten out defence or goalkeeper. We clearly had the upper hand in the opening 20 minutes and several opportunities that could have out the game to bed early on but it was sadly not to be.

A long shot from Westside after half an hour bounced awkwardly for our keeper and found it's way into the back of the net, to everyone's surprise, even theirs. Borough picked themselves up and attacked strongly to try and pull a goal back quickly.

An inswinging corner taken by Gemma Priest from the left-hand side was nearly converted by the head of Leah Wilkinson but strong challenges from the Westside Ladies proved enough to keep it out. Kirsty Mulcahey dominated the centre of the midfield playing brilliantly weighted through passes to Laura Mott who had now switched to playing up front and there was great support from Katie Braithwaite on the left-hand side too. The first half ended at 1-0 to the visitors but it could and should have been all so different.

The second half started off just as vibrantly as the first with Borough driving up the field to seek an early equaliser. There was also a change of formation to try and throw off the opposition and mix things up a bit. An explosive run down the right-wing from Gemma Priest who passed three of the Westside Ladies to end up in the 18-yard box and force a corner kept Borough Ladies' spirits high. Corner taken by Rachel Marshall unfortunately didn't meet a Borough head on this occasion.

Westside Ladies' next attack proved fruitful and a strike from the edge of the 18-yard box after some impressive passing looped over our keeper Chloe Russell. Borough tried to put some passes together and slow the game down to suit their footballing style but were hit on the counter-attack and a third went in for Westside Ladies. Now 3-0 down we went back to our original formation and swapped some player positions to try and relieve some tired legs.

Borough pulled a goal back shortly after from a well-placed free-kick from Kirsty Mulchaey which lifted spirits again and restored confidence. Hannah Richards made some great runs through the centre of midfield finding the wings with some brilliant passes. Emma Connell and Kayleigh Hobbs made several amazing tackles and clearances in the centre of defence and both Lois Freedman and Rachel Marshall were both very strong at left and right back. Despite the best efforts of our back four, t more goals went in for Westside Ladies late on making it 5-1 to them. A late free-kick from Kirsty Mulchaey was tipped onto the bar from the Westside keeper and the game ended shortly after this late action.

There were some feisty challenges on both sides, courageous attempts to pull the game back from the Borough Ladies and amazing high spirits and support for each other but it just wasn't their day. We have all seen and been a part of matches where the ball just doesn't fall for us or the opposition seems to get all the lucky breaks and this was unfortunately one of those games for Borough Ladies.

They were back training on Tuesday evening with smiles on their faces and passion in their hearts... they will bounce back!