A rotated Pools side were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday afternoon against Gateshead Leam Rangers, falling to a 2-0 defeat.

It was Pools’ first game of the season and with a number of experienced players unavailable, manager Alex Curl had just 12 players to his disposal.

Leam Rangers scored either side of the break through Katie Cuthbertson and Alanah Scott as Pools were defeated by two goals on the road.

“It’s always disappointing to lose,” stated Curl at full time.

“Congratulations to Leam Rangers who executed their game plan brilliantly – we wish them luck for the rest of the competition.

“It’s a difficult start to the season for ourselves. In the first half we failed to control the game, we allowed the game to be played how Leam wanted to. We were not reactive to balls over the top, lost too many duels and second balls.

“There was a clear improvement in the second half, we started to play football and created some good chances. On another day we take one or two of those chances and go onto win the game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and in the end Leam were the deserved winners.”

Pools Women open their league season next weekend, with a home fixture against Bishop Auckland. Admission is free, with a 2pm kick-off at Metcalfe Park.

“The game against Bishop is another chance to kickstart our season,” added Curl.

“It would’ve been great to have a cup run but the focus has always been on the league. It’s important to start strong as the quality in this league is very high.

“It’ll be another difficult game, but being at home with our fans should give us the advantage.”

Image by Kelvin Shell