Dursley Town Ladies coach and treasurer Neil Sharp shared his thoughts after his side’s historic Women’s FA Cup run came to an end with a 3-0 home defeat to Andover New Street.
A crowd of 376 gathered for the third qualifying-round tie, the biggest occasion yet for a Dursley Women’s side that have never previously progressed beyond the preliminary rounds of the competition.
The tier seven hosts faced opposition from the division above and were punished for a slow start as Andover took an early lead.
“They came out quickly as we expected them to and we didn’t really settle for the first ten minutes and they got the first goal,” Sharp said.
The early setback threatened to make for a long afternoon, but Dursley responded and grew into the contest.
“I thought they might run away with a few more,” Sharp said. “We grew into the contest, got back into it and had a really good chance in the first half when it was stuck under our striker’s foot.”
That opportunity came as Dursley began to put their visitors under pressure, with the hosts enjoying spells of possession before the break.
Sharp felt that continued into the second half, but Andover’s second goal proved a decisive moment.
“The rest of the first half and a lot of the second half we caused problems as were on top for periods but as soon as they got their second, unfortunately, we just caved a little bit,” he said.
Dursley were unable to find a response before Andover added a third to secure their place in the next round.
For Sharp, the result was ultimately decided by one crucial difference between the two sides.
“I think we had long periods where we were the better team,” he said. “We are probably just not quite clinical enough and they were more clinical than us.”
Despite the defeat, Sharp believes the players can look back on the campaign with considerable pride.
The run began with a late 1-0 victory over Hereford Pegasus, sending Dursley beyond the preliminary round for the first time in the club’s history.
The achievement was recognised after Sunday’s defeat, with the president of the county league in attendance and later praising the players.
“She came over to say to tell me to tell the girls that they have done the league proud,” Sharp said.
The run has also brought financial benefits and valuable experience for the squad.
“A lot of money came in and a lot of great experience for them as well and they can always say they have played in the third round qualifying of the FA Cup,” Sharp said.
“Whether they go on and do that again or go further who knows, but they have always got that to look back on.”
Sharp, who is also a treasurer of the football club, knows the significance of the achievement.
“I played football for 30 years and never played in the FA Cup,” he added.
The support from the stands was another highlight, with 376 spectators turning out for the landmark fixture.
“I think the fans were massive, great support, great turnout,” Sharp said.
Now Dursley must turn their attention back to the league. They have drawn one and lost one of their opening two matches, and Sharp believes the cup adventure may have distracted from their domestic campaign.
“I think this FA Cup run may have been a little bit of a distraction,” he said.
“But now it’s behind us, we have done well, we’ve enjoyed it and now we have got to start picking up our league form.”
For Dursley Town Ladies, the FA Cup journey has ended. But after reaching a stage of the competition the club had never previously seen, Sharp and his players have left their mark.
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