C&K Basildon Ladies’ development side missed out on a place in the FA Women’s Premier League Reserves League Cup final, as they lost 5-1 to Stoke City.

Gemma Abela got on the scoresheet at the Frost Hire Stadium, but it was not enough for the promising youngsters to overcome the visitors.

And manager John Levy, who took over at C&K Basildon in June, was full of praise for his side’s cup run.

Levy said: “I’m over the moon with the girls.

“They have only been together for a few months and they gelled really quickly, so it is great to think where we have come from in such a short space of time.

“We have had some great results in the league as well, including against Lewes, but to go on an amazing cup run has been fantastic for everyone involved with the club.

“Stoke are unbeaten this year and that was a huge carrot for us.

“To go head-to-head with a big side was the icing on the cake and we hit the post early on.

“It could have been different if that had have gone in, but they were clinical because they scored with all five shots they had.”

C&K Basildon booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition after claiming impressive wins earlier in the tournament.

The club’s League Cup run began with a 2-0 victory over QPR, before seeing off West Ham United with a 5-3 triumph in the third round.

A 3-1 quarter-final win over Coventry United followed and Levy’s charges were rewarded with a visit of Stoke.

Eliza Diaz struck the post inside the first minute with a thunderous 25 yard strike.

And although C&K Basildon made a promising start, Stoke broke the deadlock with nine minutes on the clock.

Another two goals put the away side in a commanding position, but C&K Basildon hit back as Abela converted following fine link-up play with Jodie Osborne.

Another two goals after the break allowed Stoke to seal their place in the final of the competition, where they will take on Portsmouth.

However, Levy says he is enjoying his time coaching the youngsters.

Levy added: “I came across from Leyton Orient’s women’s team in June last year and I’m thoroughly enjoying it here.

“The infrastructure and set-up is awesome.

“A lot of credit has to go to chairman Peter King. It’s a family-run club and that’s music to any coach’s ears.”

C&K Basildon: Bamford, Sillitoe, M.Diaz, Wilson, de Bell, Bailess, Whitehead, Rhodes, E.Diaz, Abela, Osborne Subs not used: Reardon, Bueggeln, Blowers, Wakefield