Chatham Town manager Keith Boanas’ reaction after their 8-0 defeat to Birmingham City in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round match at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park

Chatham Town Women’s incredible FA Cup journey ended in a heavy defeat – but it couldn’t dampen the pride.

Women’s Super League 2 promotion-chasers Birmingham City showed the gulf in quality, winning the fifth-round tie 8-0 at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

Keith Boanas’ side had beaten higher-league opponents AFC Wimbledon and Exeter City and performed in front of a record home crowd in the win over York City to reach the last 16 of the national competition.

Chatham were the lowest-ranked side left in the cup, playing their football two divisions below their hosts, and Birmingham were just too strong.

Boanas said: “I think everyone did their best and tried their best.

“There were some basic errors that we're really disappointed with and we’ll look at.

“I sent quite a long letter to the players on Sunday morning, giving my whole summary of the whole event.

“They stick a heart on it because they're all honest enough to own up to those things, but it won't take anything away from them as far as the pride that they need to retain in even reaching that level and being on that stage.”

The match was broadcast live on TNT Sport and plenty of fans were watching on the big screen at Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium – while Boanas praised the support his side received in Birmingham.

He said: “The fans that went up there were out of this world.

“We probably didn't take as many as we would have done (had it not been live on TV on the Saturday) but we still outnumbered the Birmingham fans.

“Our lot was singing throughout the game and even singing louder at the end. The pride was there for all to see.”

Birmingham dominated the match but were only 1-0 up at the break, with Chatham goalkeeper Simone Eligon making several early saves.

Océane Hurtré