Moors Ladies’ run in the League Cup came to an end on Sunday afternoon as they were beaten 3-2 by Sunderland West End at Wearmouth CW.

Billy Shackleton’s side were looking to book a place in the competition’s final four but always knew they faced a difficult assignment against a side who had already beaten them twice in the league this term.

The home side moved in front on 20 minutes when Moors failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and the Sunderland striker rose highest to head home.

Moors produced a positive response to the setback and could have got back on level terms quickly, but chances came and went for Beth Enguita and Lily Jackson.

However, they got the equaliser that their play deserved when Shannon Reed’s volleyed ball forward set Lily Jackson through on goal and she got there ahead of the home side’s keeper to score.

Having been on the front foot for most of what remained of the first half, Moors suffered a blow just before the break when West End broke quickly after defending a free-kick to retake the lead.

Moors struggled to get back to their same tempo after half time and the game became scrappy, though Shackleton’s side continued to pose a threat through Caitlin Bates and Enguita, while Courtney Mole drew a save from the keeper with a long-range strike.

On 64 minutes, West End increased their lead when again a free-kick into the area caused problems, sailing directly into the top corner to put the hosts in the driving seat.

Bates came close to pulling a goal back as Moors looked to respond once more and, after chances for Brodie Grayson and Lauren Gray, Shackleton’s side did grab a second goal when Lily Jackson netted in injury time.

However, there wasn’t enough time for Moors to complete the comeback and it was Sunderland West End who progressed to the semi-finals.

“It’s not nice to lose any game of football and Sunderland West End certainly seem to have had our number this season, so congratulations to them,” said Shackleton.

“We played some good stuff today but I think West End did too, and the way the game was played suited them.

“Now we turn our attentions back to the league and we have nine points to play for so we can’t do anything other than try to get as many of them as possible and hope that other results go our way.”

Full Time: Sunderland West End 3 Moors 2

Moors: Saunders, Gray, Knox, McIntosh, N Jackson, Mole, Reed, Hemmingway, Bates, Enguita, L Jackson.
Subs: Drinkald (71), Grayson (81), Seymour (85), Middleton, A Colledge.