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London City Lionesses bowed out of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in the Fifth Round, losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday [11 February].
Sophie Roman Haug struck first for the travelling side, heading Matthew Beard’s side ahead in the sixth minute.
Melissa Lawley doubled Liverpool’s advantage after the break, beating Grace Moloney with a wicked strike from long-range.
Despite the defeat, it was a performance to be proud of for London City, who went blow for blow with a full-strength Barclays Women’s Super League side.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the girls to be honest,” explained interim head coach Darren Smith.
“I know some people might be disappointed when they look at the scoreline and see that we lost the game, but there were far more positives than negatives from that performance.
“We’ve conceded from one cross and a worldie from outside the box, as I stand here talking to you now, I couldn’t be prouder of the effort they put in.
"We know Wednesday is going to be really, really tough – Arsenal are one of the best teams in the WSL – but we’ll give it our best shot.”
Smith made a handful of changes to the side that was defeated by Blackburn Rovers a week ago, with Lucy Fitzgerald and Paige Culver returning to the starting line-up.
Nicole Douglas and Maddi Wilde, who appeared as a second-half substitute, came closest to scoring for the Pride, but were unable to beat Rachel Laws.
When asked if there was anything he would like to mention at the end of his post-match interview, Smith added: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone. I know it’s all about the players on the pitch, but I want to say thanks to the staff and the fans too.
"Even at 2-0 down, you could hear them shouting and screaming and we’re really appreciative of their support.”