Crawley Wasps' hopes of league and cup double ended by Blackburn Rovers
Paul Walker’s side had already wrapped up the National League Division 1 South East title, and with it promotion to the third tier.
But they found League Cup holders Blackburn, who won the division above, a tough proposition, particularly without centre-backs Darcey James (suspended) and Ellie Russell (cup-tied), and forward Sian Heather.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWasps started brightly, Faye Rabson testing Blackburn keeper Danielle Gibbons, but they fell behind on eight minutes when Saffron Jordan poked in after a scrappy scramble inside the box.
That seemed to ease Rovers, who continued to pass the ball slickly and create chances – Natasha Flint, Jess Holbrook and Jordan all narrowly off target.
Early in the second half, a superb tackle from Wasps’ Jenny Drury – the midfielder standing in at centre-back – sparked a counter which ended with Kemina Webber firing at Gibbons.
Blackburn scored a second goal when Flint guided the ball over Wasps’ ‘keeper Frankie Gibbs.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShortly afterwards, Rovers hit both posts within seconds in the same attack and survived a further scare when the well-placed Flint fired high and wide.
Late on, Gibbs produced a brilliant diving stop to deny Natasha Fenton – but she was beaten a third time when Jordan’s superb side-step was matched by an excellent finish.
Captain Naomi Cole said: “Blackburn are a fantastic side, with top quality players who played fantastic football.
“We’d loved to have won this competition but we can be so proud we got to the final.”
Wasps: Gibbs; Niamh Stephenson (Woollard 89), Young, Drury, Palmer; Cole, Green (Fleischman 58); Rabson, Stow, Plewa; Webber (Davies 80). Subs not used: Graves, Measures