Doncaster Rovers Belles have been knocked out of the Adobe Women's FA Cup at the third round qualifying stage after losing 4-3 on penalties to Workington Town Women following a 1-1 draw.
Defender Imogen Burnley's powerful header gave Belles a first-half lead, but the side could not hold on. Workington scored a late equaliser to force the tie to a penalty shoot-out, which the Tier 6 visitors won.
Team Changes
Manager Lee Mitchell made three changes from the side that drew against Loughborough. Ellie Ball and Lucie Tinker returned to the back line, and Kazia Walby started for the first time this season. Steph Rigby, Libby Hallam, new signing Charli Wright, Charlotte Gowlett, Taylah Charlton, Nat Banaszczyk and Jess Frick were among those on the bench. Nat Shaw remained absent through illness.
How the Match Unfolded
Workington had an early chance after two minutes when Cassie Donald shot from twenty yards, but the attempt went wide. Belles responded when Lucie Tinker's throw-in found Bradie Wild, who crossed to Ellie Ball, but visiting keeper Laura Miller saved.
Belles came close to taking the lead when Ruby Jex-Oldfield's low shot hit the post. On twenty-one minutes, Steph Rigby replaced the injured Tinker for her first game of the season. Belles then worked their way back into the game and took the lead during a period of attacking play in the first half.