Charlton Women 1 Albion Women 1 (4-2 on penalties)

ALBION suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak in their FA Women's Premier League Cup quarter-final at Charlton on Sunday.

 

Spot-kicks were necessary to split the two sides with the score at 1-1 following an enthralling 120 minutes of football.

 

It was the hosts who drew first blood when Graham nipped in behind the Baggies defence to fire an effort over keeper Thomas.

 

Albion almost equalised immediately, but a low strike from Dugmore came back off the post.

 

But the Baggies did level just moments later when Dugmore's looping header hit the crossbar and after Mitcham's shot was blocked, Dicken fired it home for her first goal of the season.

 

Graham could have put Charlton back ahead before the break, but after cutting inside Hull

could only shoot wide of Thomas' near-post.

 

After the restart both sides had chances to win it in normal time, Bergin hit the post for Charlton from close-range before Greaves, Cottam and Dugmore all went close for the Baggies.

 

Albion then had to thank Kate Wright and Amy Dicken for keeping the scores level in Extra time after they were both on hand to clear the ball off the line in a matter of minutes to halt a Charlton siege.

 

In the final stages it was the home side who were hanging on as Greaves came inches away from prodding home a drilled cross from Holmes.

 

But the Baggies failed to make the pressure count and despite well taken penalties from Kelly Darby and Summer Holmes bowed out of the FA Women's Premier League Cup Quarter-Final 4-2 on penalties.

 

Head coach Craig Nicholls gave his view following Albion's cup exit.

 

"Frustrating in a way, I think First Half we were poor.

 

"We had a chat about it at Half time and the girls really stepped it up after the break, so credit goes to them for that.

 

"We created some good chances towards the end and may have nicked it.

 

"I'm still pleased with our effort and commitment and we move onto Newcastle next week."

 

Albion visit Newcastle United in the FA Women's Premier League next Sunday (ko 2pm).

 

For more information on West Bromwich Albion FC Women you can follow them on Twitter @WBAWomen or like them on Facebook www.Facebook.com/AlbionLadies.