PNE Women are out of the League Cup after going down to an 80th minute goal.

PNE made a bright start with Fiona Dransfield shooting just wide twice in the first 20 minutes while Laura Cain saw her 30 yard shot fly just over the bar.

Alison Taberner had a great shot from outside the box well saved but an injury to Dawn Holland forced a reshuffle and PNE lost their momentum.

Early in the second half, the Hopwood keeper dropped a free kick, but Sarah Berry couldn't quite capitalise on the loose ball. Amanda Cummings had a shot well saved by the keeper on 54 minutes.

Hopwood came more into the game in the second half but the PNE defence was equal to them. Melanie Walkers shot just over the bar at 65 minutes and PNE had to work hard to keep them at bay in the last quarter of the match.

Hopwood finally took the lead when a deflected clearance landed at the feet of an oncoming attacker. PNE fought hard to get an equaliser, but couldn't penetrate the Hopwood defence.

PNE are now left to compete for the league where they are currently top, and are away to Wigan Ladies on Sunday.

Final score: Hopwood Ladies 1 PNE Women 0