Forest Women were defeated 3-0 by WSL Championship side Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon as The Reds’ Vitality Women’s FA Cup run came to an end in the third round.
Andy Cook’s side saw off Wem Town and Oughtibridge War Memorial in the previous rounds to set up the clash against The Blades, with a fourth round tie away at Manchester City awaiting the winners.
Forest named a strong side for the fixture at Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park, with captain Lyndsey Harkin partnering Liv Cook in defence while Charlotte Greengrass was flanked by Yasmin Mosby and Sophie Domingo in a dangerous looking front three.
The game was evenly balanced during the opening stages as both sides look to gain a foothold, Domingo denied by a block before seeing a goal ruled out for offside.
Coming up against her former side, goalkeeper Emily Batty made important saves to prevent United taking the lead as she denied Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Alethea Paul before the break to keep the scores level.
Half time: Sheffield United 0-0 Forest Women
Two minutes into the second half, Sweetman-Kirk opened the scoring. Mia Enderby working the ball into the box before the forward made no mistake from close range.
On 53 minutes, The Blades doubled their advantage through Bex Rayner as the former Forest player struck an excellent effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
With their tails up, the hosts looked to add more to their tally as Enderby saw another strike well saved by Batty and Sweetman-Kirk was denied her second by the woodwork.
The Reds continued to battle hard at Glanford Park and introduced fresh legs in search of a route back into the game, but Enderby wasn’t to be denied a third time as she added her name on the scoresheet with 18 minutes remaining.
Focus now turns back onto FA Women’s National League action for The Reds as Cook’s side sit second in the table, three points behind league leaders Wolves having played two games less ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fylde.
Full time: Sheffield United 3-0 Forest Women