The Rooks Ladies crashed out the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday against a lively Oxford team.

Lewes struggled to find rhythm in the early stages of the game and Oxford showed they were clearly up for the contest. However it could have been very different had the ball not been cleared off the line from a Bennett effort as early as 5 minutes from the start.

Oxford grew more into the game with a mix of short and long passing, however Rooks player of the match Stacy Baker dealing with the occasional counter attacks competently. Lewes on the other hand gave the ball away too cheaply, but did look dangerous on set pieces, Tammy Waine going close from a 25 yard free kick.

The Rooks started to take a bit more control from the 25th minute as Oxford tired but didn’t capitalise on it and so it was all square at half time stage.

The second half was more entertaining and again the Rooks had a couple of really good opportunities to take the lead. Veiga replaced Bennett on 55 mins to try and break down the resilient Oxford defence.

Holly Grogan going close on a quick counter attack and Lel Smith’s goal bound header forcing a wonderful save from the Oxford keeper. However Oxford made the most of one of their long balls down the flanks to pick out their Forwards who calmly slotted the ball past Young.

Lewes continued to pile on the pressure in search of the equaliser and once again the Oxford GK pulled off 2 great chances. New signing Katie Baker was bought on for Grogan on 70 minutes and went alongside Waine who probably looked the most likely to score.

However on 78 mins Oxford, against the run of play found the second goal when once again they took their chance. With time running out Agnew then put Hinshelwood on and up front and was nearly rewarded when her header was cleared off the line by the defender.

With only a couple of minutes to go an horrendous and senseless studs up tackle from Oxfords player Ricketts on Cole gave the Referee no choice but to give her, her second yellow and therefore a red card.

Lewes continued to play right up to the whistle and had they taken their chances they would have won this game.

Manager Jacquie Agnew said after the game ‘ we did enough to win the game today but will take the learning’s from it , my players have been great all season, we will dust ourselves down and now look forward to the next game’  

Naomi Cole is off on England duty this week with the under 23’s we wish her well.

The Rooks are back in league action Sunday away v MK Dons