Acle United Ladies were knocked out of the League Cup on Sunday, going down 2-1 after Cambridge City scored an 89th-minute winner at Bridewell Lane.

Acle knew it was going to be a tough game against the youthful Division One pacesetters, who had lost only once in the league this season. In fact, the hosts could not have got off to a worse start, conceding in the third minute, when a snap-shot beat Hooper at her far post.

Slowly the home side started to get a foothold in the game. Todd had a shot deflected for a corner from a ball threaded past the City defence by Rowland, before Ladbrooke had a shot saved by the keeper after a ball was headed back from Larkins’ free-kick.

As the half progressed, the wind picked up in the favour of the visitors, who were able to able to play a high line and push Acle back into their own half.

Just before half-time, a quick break down the right by Knights saw the young Acle player find Larkins whose square pass was met by Wells, but her shot cleared the bar as the visitors went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

Straight after the interval Acle pushed forward and Wells fired over the bar from Bullard’s cross. However, six minutes later the Acle pressure paid off. Todd received a ball which split the home defence and coolly slotted past the City keeper.

As the half progressed, the game was becoming a midfield battle. A quick break by Cambridge on the hour mark saw a dangerous cross into the Acle area, but none of the City strikers was able to get to the ball, whilst at the other end, Bullard was judged offside receiving a long ball from Rowland, which put her clear.

In the closing minutes, Hooper was forced into action, saving a long shot and Todd saw her cross cut out by the keeper.

In the 89th minute, Cambridge scored the winner. A ball threaded past the Acle defence saw the City wide player beat the on-rushing Hooper and shoot into an unguarded goal to send Cambridge into the semi-finals.

Acle Ladies: Hooper, Larkins, Copeman, Pasque, Goodfield, Knights, Rowland, Ladbrooke, Todd, Wells, Bullard. Subs: Burton, Maher.

On Sunday, the Ladies return to league action at home to AFC Dunstable at 2pm.