Norwich City head coach Andy Cook was pleased with the resolve his players showed to earn their victory over Cambridge United in the Women's FA Cup.

Ceri Flye headed the Canaries ahead in the first half and her centre-back partner Hope Strauss had a good chance to increase their advantage after the break, but saw her penalty tipped around the post by Cambridge goalkeeper Sophie Shults.

U's defender Lauren Rouse was sent off for giving the spot kick away, yet the hosts grew in belief after Shults' save and made life difficult for City in the final half an hour.



Some supporters may have feared a late collapse similar to the one that cost City two points away at London Bees, but to Cook's delight, on this occasion they held firm.

"To get the victory to get through is exactly what we needed and it was a proper cup tie in the end," he said. "If anything, the sending off made the game even more open.

"The wins in the cup have given momentum. For me, it doesn't matter whether it's cup or league, you just have to make sure you maintain that consistency and momentum.

"Last week, we were bitterly disappointed with the end of the game. We need to defend better, and that's why today was so pleasing, even against 10 players.

"Cambridge put themselves in a position where they had opportunities, but we showed a little bit of grit, determination, we rode our luck a little bit sometimes, but you have to do that."

City matchwinner Ceri Flye in action against CambridgeCity matchwinner Ceri Flye in action against Cambridge (Image: R.S.BROWN)

Cambridge's eagerness to become the latest team to deny City victory was clear to see, and while they ultimately failed to do so, Cook believes he has noticed a trend in how opposition sides are approaching games.

He stated: "There's a lot of people around the area that don't really like Norwich City. I don't know whether it's jealousy or what it is, but I've seen that in the last few weeks.

"We are attached to a men's side, we have fantastic facilities and the club have invested in regards to a full-time coach, a full-time general manager and people in and around the staff that work tirelessly to progress the women's side. But that shouldn't be a reason to think whatever certain people think.

"If you look at the budgets, I think Real Bedford are top by a long way in this league. They should be walking this league with the budget they have for footballers.

"That's how they do things in the men's game. If you look at the salary of players, usually the team that pays the highest salary, in terms of just wages, is one, two and three.

"That's just the way it is. We had it at Newcastle (United) last year. Everybody didn't really like Newcastle, and every single week was a cup final for the opposition.

"For us, it's all motivation. The players talk about it and we want to make sure that we can really kick on, prove everybody wrong and ourselves right."

The winning goal scored by Flye was assisted by Ellie Bishop, who recently rejoined City having spent two seasons away.

"Our paths didn't cross (previously), I joined as she left, so I didn't know much about her," explained Flye, when asked about Bishop's impact. "But she's settled in really well.

"The girls love her, she's got great energy. She's a great player as well (and has) got a good left foot."

Flye has now scored two goals this season and is hopeful there are more to come.

She said: "I like to get forward a lot now. Since Andy's come in to manage, he's allowed me to get forward more, and I've been enjoying my football more and more this year.

"I like to chip in and help out, and Millie (Daviss) is so versatile, so I know that if I go, she'll get in and cover me. We're not in regimented positions anymore and we're playing with freedom."

Norwich City (3-4-1-2): Quantrill (c); Flye, Strauss (Booty 80), Bishop; Daviss, Morran, Medd-Gill, Kennard; Moore (Symonds 67); Shaw (Densley 67), Snelling (Todd 90+1). Unused sub: Locker.