The Reds may have lost for the fourth time against City of Manchester in the County Cup, but the narrow margin showed how well FC battled against the higher-placed team. There wasn't a boat load of chances in this semi final, but United held City at bay during a first half which saw the Red's efforts being stronger and more frequent. But it was the Premier team that came out with more desire after the break and it was Jodie Hancock that capitalised on a loose ball in the six-yard box to fire the Blues into the lead. FC battled on for a quarter hour and it was to be the ever-threatening Olivia Gannon that bit back after racing through the defence to power past the City keeper. But 15 seconds into the restart the Blues regained the lead after Chloe Williams parried a shot into the path of Fionnuala Andrews and she slotted in under the FC stopper. City had a late penalty, but Andrews hit the post to keep the score at 2-1 and probably more fair.