HARTPURY Women suffered penalty shootout heartbreak on Sunday, August 23, as their first appearance in the Women’s FA Cup ended with defeat against Cirencester Town.

The preliminary-round tie produced eight goals during a dramatic 90 minutes, with the sides locked at 4-4 before Cirencester held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4.

Jodie Bailey proved the key figure for the visitors, scoring a hat-trick during normal time before converting the decisive penalty. She was also named Cirencester’s player of the match following an influential display.

Cirencester described the victory as a “fantastic achievement” and a “huge result” as they celebrated booking their place in the next round.

Despite the defeat, the match represented another landmark moment for Hartpury, who only launched their women’s side at the beginning of last season.

The team was established as an extension of Hartpury’s university and college football programme, allowing players to compete at weekends while continuing their academic studies.

Promotion during their inaugural campaign lifted Hartpury into Tier Six of the women’s football pyramid and earned them the opportunity to enter the famous cup competition for the first time.

Ahead of the game, Sports Therapy student Louise Hiett spoke of the squad’s excitement at being involved.

She said: “The FA Cup is such a big competition. To now get to play in that same competition is pretty cool and we’re all really excited.”

Manager Leah Burridge brought extensive FA Cup experience to Hartpury’s debut, having represented Yeovil Town Ladies, Oxford United, Wolves, Bridgwater United and Exeter City.

Burridge captained Bridgwater against Manchester United in front of a sell-out crowd in 2022, but said she wanted Hartpury’s players to create their own cup memories.

Although their debut ended in the cruellest fashion, Hartpury played their part in a memorable eight-goal contest making history for the Forest club.