Tower Hamlets WFC were unable to repeat last season s heroics in the FA Women's Cup after crashing to a second qualifying round defeat against Maidstone Town on Sunday

Tower Hamlets WFC were unable to repeat last season's heroics in the FA Women's Cup after crashing to a second qualifying round defeat against Maidstone Town on Sunday.

The Cows, who reached the first round proper in the competition for the first time in their history last year, recovered from a half-time deficit to draw level at Victoria Park, but two late goals saw the Kent side progress.

Maidstone side began the match brightly as Tower Hamlets made another slow start and only some desperate defending from the hosts kept the visitors at bay.

The sustained pressure paid off midway through the half as Maidstone swept into a deserved lead following a break down the left, but Suzie Hill almost levelled on the stroke of half-time.

The Cows midfielder bravely blocking a clearance from the Maidstone keeper, only to see the ball ricochet off her chest and fly narrowly over the crossbar.

Tower Hamlets continued to establish a foothold in the match after the break courtesy of influential displays from Hannah Dalgleish and Sabrina Samuel, with the Cows drawing level following a fine passing move.

Katy Arnold and Helen Goodacre combined to set up Dalgleish, who exchanged passes with Samuel before clipping the ball over the onrushing Maidstone keeper.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Tower Hamlets continued to press forward and Krystal Anderson's through-ball almost set up another goal, but the pass was intercepted and Maidstone broke clear to restore the lead.

The Cows created a handful of further opportunities, but were unable to fight back a second time and Maidstone added a third goal in the final minutes to seal their victory.

Tower Hamlets WFC travel to Kent Magpies on Sunday.