FINAL SCORE
Bath City exited the South West Regional League Divisional Cup on penalties following a second exciting 1-1 draw at Royal Wootton Bassett in a week.
Erin Duffy marked her debut with a fine goal before Libby Davies, involved in the controversial handball decision a week before, headed in a second half leveller.
Libby Goater missed a great chance to win the tie, but with no further goals it meant a penalty shoot-out.
The hosts converted four of their five to progress and leave City with just the league to concentrate on.
Matt Abreu’s team started on the front foot with Millie Powell the busier of the keepers, doing well to smother Emily Dellow’s volley from Mils Bellotti’s corner despite being unsighted.
Dellow was involved in the opening goal. Powell’s poor kick from a back-pass was collected by the attacking midfielder, who played across to Duffy on the left. The debutant took a few touches before firing into the top corner from 25-yards, out of Powell’s reach.
The home side improved after the break shooting up the slope and were rewarded just past the hour. Laura Jefferies’ teasing freekick bounced favourably for Davies, who headed home from close range.
Duffy hammered just wide from distance before Goater squandered a late opening, turning away well from Dellow’s flick before prodding off target under pressure.
Penalties proved City’s undoing. Bassett scored their first two through Hannah Gulliver and Davies, but while Goater converted, Tara Taylor dragged hers past the left post.
Maddy Elliott’s kick was parried by Sadie Farley but Dellow failed to take advantage as Powell kept out her kick. Emma Sykes and Erin Duffy both scored with ease, leaving Nat Goodright the opportunity to win the tie. She duly converted to send the hosts through as luckless City bowed out.
■ In contrast, the Development side made an easier task of progressing through to the second round of the Somerset County League Cup. Hosting Paulton Rovers Development, Anna Wilson and substitute Salma Ed-slami Jimenez both struck doubles as City ran out 6-0 winners.
Olivia Davis and Amy Hucker were also on the scoresheet to see Bath set up a second round tie at Weston-super-mare Reserves on March 17.