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West Ham Women's expert reacts to FA Cup heartache v Aston Villa
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West Ham United Women’s expert Michelle Irons has reacted to the Hammers’ FA Cup heartache after Paul Konchesky’s side were knocked out on penalties to Aston Villa.
Dagný Brynjarsdóttir’s second-half equaliser sent the game into extra time, however, the Villans edged a close penalty shootout 7-6.
Despite the defeat, Irons was encouraged by the performance of Konchesky’s side against an impressive opponent.
“Paul Konchesky fielded a strong lineup after the international break with new singing Amalie Thestrup starting and quickly making a good impact by working hard on and off the ball,” she exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“It was a bit of a tame first half with both teams settling into the rhythm of the game with some half chances from both sides with the potential of extra time and penalties to decide the winner.
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“Villa came out with their tails up in the second half and quickly went ahead around the 50th min with some good work by Dali for Daly to tap home.
“Dagny Bryjarsdottir really gets into some fantastic pockets of space and she stayed true to her reputation by slotting home an equaliser and forcing the tie into ET.
“This game finished 1-1 with both teams very edgy during ET which resulted in a penalty shootout. West Ham in my opinion had the better Keeper between the sticks.
“It wasn’t meant to be when Mackenzie Arnold shot over the bar with Villa progressing. It was a fair run in the FA Cup this season but now our focus goes back to the league campaign and an away fixture at struggling Reading.”