The Tigresses historic 2025/26 FA Cup run came to an end at the hands of an exceptional Birmingham City side at the Versa Sportswear Stadium, despite goals from Ellie Tanser and Sophie Haywood
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Tier 3 side, facing up one of the pioneers off the professional women’s game, and former holders of the FA Cup. 745 fans swept in to North Ferriby, marking the Tigresses biggest attendance at their new home
The game did not start as the hosts would have wanted – a goal from the visitors after just 48 seconds. Cornet rose highest at the backpost and powered in a header to set the visitors well on their way
Birmingham controlled the game and the ball in their majority through the next 35 minutes. Despite this, chances were limited to range, or well blocked and defending, giving Wallace adequate protection to limit her action.
In that time City had two great chances from set pieces to level: Haywood at the back post from a Nicholson delivery, but the effort couldn’t be directed on target; and Tugby-Andrew swung a free kick to the far pat, but it was well met by Franch in the blues goal.
In the final ten minutes of the half, the ruthless tier 2 side made the most of three mistakes. First Crosthwaite curled home from a half cleared corner on 35
Lindstrom was the beneficiary of a poor City clearance, racing through off the shoulder and smashing home at the near post for her first in English football
Sarri then smashed home from range after skipping through the Tigress back line
HT 0-4
Hopes of an instant reaction after the break were again dampened. Crosthwaite agains caused havoc on the right, flashing a low hard cross in that was tapped home centrally by Hopcroft
Again, as in the first half, City’s reaction was brilliant, taking the game to their higher league opposition. Captain Tanser set the tone throughout, driving the team forward
After good midfield play City won a free kick on the half way. Hunt drove a long ball in the box, the initial flick by Knight found Tanser to bundle it home and set the big crowd into a ROAR
Spirits lifted, the hosts made a game if it, then getting a second. Brilliant defensive work on the feet hand side won ball back on the press, Knight then switched out to Haywood who drove in and finished at the far post to add some gloss, and pride, on to the scoreline
Another flowing one allowed Birmingham to add a sixth, with the excellent Miyagawa prodding home from a low cross from the right
FT 2-6