Northampton Town Women have been knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup after they suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 1-0 to St Ives Town Ladies at home on Sunday afternoon.
The Cobblers started slowly in the first half, with St Ives taking control of the game early on. Northampton were then punished for their slow start after St Ives took the lead on 35 minutes with a finish inside the far post.
The Cobblers went in to the break a goal down and things didn’t improve as the action restarted as they struggled to get hold of the game.
It then went from bad to worse for Northampton when Bianca Luttman was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on a St Ives player, reducing the Cobblers to 10 players with just under 20 minutes to play.
Despite the player disadvantage, Northampton pushed for the equaliser going close through Leah Cudone and Abbie Reboul but St Ives held on to secure the win and a place in the second qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Cobblers Manager Lou Barry summed up his thoughts after the game: “It was a fantastic effort from the team today, even with 10 players they gave absolutely everything to get through. Not sure how we didn’t get there in the end but credit to St Ives who battled so hard for each other. Full focus on the league now, can’t wait to get back at it!”
Next week it is back to league action as Northampton play Kettering Town at home in the local derby.