Women's Report | Wolves 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Wolves Women suffered a first defeat since Febraury as WSL 2 side Nottingham Forest prevailed 2-1 in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Third Round at the Keys Park.

Two first-half goals from Georgia Brougham and Aimee Claypole saw Forest take a 2-0 lead into the interval before Georgia Marshall halved the deficit early in the second half.

The Old Gold battled for an equalising goal, but the Reds held on to advance to the fourth round.

A hard-fought encounter was played out in front of the Channel 4 and TNT Sports cameras, making it another television appearance for Wolves.

A raucous atmosphere welcomed the teams onto the pitch, setting up what would be an intense FA Cup affair.

After a positive opening to the encounter from Dan McNamara’s side, Forest took an early lead through captain Brougham after a pinpot delivery from Chloe Mustaki.

The visitors continued to threaten from set pieces throughout the first half, but Wolves defended well from any further dead-ball situations.

As the first half continued, Wolves continued to frustrate their rivals from last season.

However, Forest doubled their advantage in the 20^th minute through Aimee Claypole. A precise through ball found the forward who was able to find the bottom corner from inside the box.

The Old Gold were not going down without a fight. Beth Merrick was the first to test Emily Batty in the visitors’ goal with a curling effort.

Katie Johnson then lined up a shot, but her looping strike went narrowly wide of Batty’s far post.

The score remained the same as the interval approached, but Wolves had the final chance of the half.

Amy Sims poked the ball into Merrick, who unleashed a powerful strike towards Batty. However, the goalkeeper clung onto the ball under pressure from onrushing Wolves players.

Half Time | Wolves 0-2 Nottingham Forest

The momentum from the closing stages of the first half stuck with the hosts as they began to force Forest deep into their own territory

An Old Gold corner was the best of the opening forays of the second half as they forced a brilliant save from Batty, with McNamara’s side continuing to probe for a route back into the game.

However, in the 58^th minute, Wolves had their goal. Skipper Anna Morphet delivered a brilliant ball into the penalty area, and Georgia Marshall found the back of the net with an accurate header to score her second in two games.

Forest looked to respond through Claypole, but Brooks rushed to the edge of her box to meet the onrushing attacker and sweep up the danger.

Wolves continued to search for an equaliser as the minutes rolled by. Substitute Chloe Williams saw a powerful effort climb just inches above the crossbar in the 78^th minute as McNamara turned to his bench in order to find another goal.

Marshall almost added to her tally with just over five minutes to go. Morphet’s delivery from a free kick found the defender, who had her shot palmed wide by Batty to preserve Forest’s lead.

Seven minutes of added time were well received as Wolves looked for another late goal in order to continue their FA Cup run.

Despite their efforts, Forest were able to hold on to their narrow lead as Wolves bowed out of the cup.

Full Time | Wolves 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Wolves | Brooks, Harkin, Morphet (Jenner 88), Marshall, Hughes, Greengrass (Quigley 88), Johnson, Sims, Anderson (Williams 76), Merrick, Worsey (Robertson 73)

Unused Subs | Thomas, Cross, Loydon, Roberts, Appleby

Nottingham Forest | Batty, Brougham, Mustaki, Rodgers, Claypole, Almqvist (Stapleton 70) Hed, Rowe, Garcia (Hamilton 70), Smith (Rose 70), Boye-Hlorakh

Unused Subs | Ferguson, N.Johnson, V.Lia, Wellings, Olding, Green,