Women's FA Cup run will stand promotion-chasing Ashford United Ladies in good stead, says boss Steve Howard

Ashford United Ladies coach Steve Howard says they can take heart from their Women’s FA Cup run.

A crowd of 200 - a record for a women’s game at Homelands - saw Jodie Cain give Ashford a half-time lead against higher-league Actonians in the Second Round on Sunday.

The visitors, who play two levels above Howard’s side, equalised after the break and completed a 3-1 victory with a pair of late goals.

“We had an unbelievable first half,” said Howard.

“We played them off the park and should have been two or three up but we’ve hit the keeper instead of the back of the net.

“They scored two minutes into the second half, which put us on the back foot.

“We felt their second goal, nine minutes from time, might have been offside but that’s football. We were running on empty by the end - we were shattered.

“It was a brilliant performance and we take a lot from the run we’ve had. It’s just disappointing to go out having played so well.

“It’s gutting but everyone said what a great game it was and we were really pleased with the size of the crowd."

League leaders Ashford are back in London & South East Division 1 South action at home to Welling on Sunday - and they've got a perfect record to build on.

“We want promotion this season - we want to get to the next level," added Howard.

“Welling have started to hit some form - they’ve got an ex-Charlton coach and some ex-Charlton players - but we’ve won seven out of seven in the league. Hopefully we can keep that going.”