CHERRIES head coach Steve Cuss was very proud of his side despite their heavy defeat to Charlton Athletic in the Women’s FA Cup third round.

After keeping the highest-ranked side in the competition at bay in the first half, Cherries were unable to prevent Charlton racking up a six-goal victory at Vitality Stadium courtesy of Karin Muya’s brace, an own goal, and solo efforts from Angela Addison, Melissa Johnson, and Carla Humphrey.

It was the first time Cherries had reached the third round of the competition, defeating St Austell, Bridgwater United, and Swindon Town to set up the tie with the second-tier leaders.

Asked if he felt the final scoreline reflected the full story of the game, Cuss told the Daily Echo: “No, I don't think it did.

“I think it's a little bit harsh to lose six.

“But take nothing away from Charlton. Very, very good side.

“We pushed them for that first 45 and then the start of the second half, but their quality shone through and ultimately they were worthy winners.

“We wish them the best of luck in the next round.

“But very proud of our performance today against a full-time team, with internationals, sat top of the Championship.

“We've gone toe to toe with them in the first half and shown us ourselves very well.

“So absolutely delighted. Very proud of all the players.”

Cherries stepped up from amateur status to semi-professionalism this summer, whilst Charlton are into their third season as a full-time outfit.

Asked if the Addicks’ improved fitness levels courtesy of a full-time training schedule made the difference, Cuss continued: “It probably has a factor.

“I think in the second half they overloaded a little bit with their centre half stepping in.

“That caused us a little bit of a problem on a big pitch, trying to cover that ground.

“Of course, we used a lot of energy in that first half.

“And with their full-time status, it was always going to be difficult in the latter stages of the game.

“We just needed to take that 0-0 a little bit further and hopefully get that goal.

“But it wasn't to be.

“It was a full credit to our players for all the effort and determination they put in today.”
Before Charlton’s second half onslaught, Cherries felt they should have had a penalty in the first period when Gemma Hillier saw her cross blatantly stopped by the hand of a Charlton defender inside the box.

“You need a little bit of luck as the underdogs coming into these types of FA Cup matches.

“We probably just didn't get that luck. There would have been a very interesting game. We talked about it, we talked about all the different scenarios.

“If we could get the first goal, it would have been interesting to them because we were going toe to toe with them, although perhaps, you know, not from a possession point of view, but competing very well against them.

“In that first half, would we have got the first goal, it could have been a different game.

“But it is what it is. Charlton came out worthy winners at the end."