C&K BASILDON Ladies crashed out of the Women’s FA Cup on penalties — but head coach Steve Tilson reckons his team should have won.

Two goals from Karissa Rodney and another from Jenny Brown-Wealls forced extra time in the second round clash before Basildon lost 4-3 on penalties.

“I think we should have won it because I think we were the better side and they got out of jail,” said Tilson.

“It was close, but when it goes to penalties then anything can happen — but for a neutral it was a fantastic match.”

It was the fifth attempt to get the match on following four postponements and it went ahead after Basildon booked Harlow Town’s 3G pitch.

The Hammers took the lead through a Natalie Masters header and Basildon keeper Mel Kinsalla made two good saves before Rodney netted from close range from Claire Lacey’s header in the 30th minute.

Basildon took the lead in the 55th minute when Carly Eagles’ crossfield pass found Rodney and she shot home.

West Ham were on terms a minute later and then took the lead in the 88th minute.

But this time it was Basildon who found a quick equaliser when Karen Stephanou’s run into the penalty area ended with her being fouled, and Brown-Wealls dispatched the penalty in the 79th minute to force extra time.

Basildon will now turn their attention to their South East Combination promotion campaign.

They are in second place on goal difference to QPR with both sides aiming to get promotion to Premier League Southern Division, where West Ham are currently third.

With a restructure of the women’s league structure planned this summer Tilson is not sure what Basildon will need to achieve to secure promotion.

But he now knows what to expect from Basildon’s potential rivals.

“They were no better than us on the day and as a squad we are as good as them, but we know that if we get promoted we need to improve our squad again,” former Southend United manager Tilson added.

“That’s the type of level we could be playing week in week out. The club has pushed on over the last three years and we have to keep trying to improve the team and push on.

“QPR have been helped by signing a couple of Super League players on loan, but all we can do is try to win our games and see what happens.”