SWINDON Town Ladies suffered extra-time heartbreak against Gillingham in the third round of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.

Competing in the third round for the second time in the club’s history and missing top scorer Abby Picton, the Robins were narrowly defeated 1-0 by their higher-division opponents at Cinder Lane.

Both Catherine Reid and Michelle Rich went close for Swindon in the regulation 90 minutes and the hosts defended superbly for much of extra time.

However, in the final 15 minutes Town captain Kim Reeves got injured and Gillingham scored from a corner with just four minutes left.

Town boss Glyn Evans said: “I’m very proud of all the players who gave everything for club and this shows we can compete with teams in a higher league.”

In girls’ football, Swindon Spitfires Under 13s charged into the semis of the Oxford Mail Girls League Cup. They finished top of Group B thanks to a 7-0 mauling of Carterton Town.

Ellie Scott scored twice in the first half and Spits ran riot after the break, with Helena Butcher (2), Ellie Lancaster, Katie Donovan and Natalie Goodright all finding the net.

Spitfires Under 14s thrashed Summertown Stars 8-1 with goals from Daniella Granato (3), Megan Larkin (2), Abby Fuller, Katie Dellow and Serena Sanghera.

Spitfires Under 16s were sunk 2-0 at Derry Hill in the Wiltshire Girls’ League.

New players are wanted by Swindon Spitfires, especially those between the age of six and eight. Anyone interested should contact Bevy on 07789 501551.

Meanwhile, Swindon Town Ladies Under 15s were well-beaten 4-1 by Tilehurst Panthers in Group A of the Berkshire League Cup.

Tilehurst took the lead in the first half when the centre forward was released and she calmly slotted past the keeper.

The hosts were boosted by their goal and were passing the ball around confidently, and found a second goal soon after.

In the second period Swindon changed their shape and Georgie Gibson came into midfield.

The visitors were more of a threat and got their reward when Amy Joliffe pressured the keeper and she sliced into her own net.

However, that was as good as it got for Swindon as Tilehurst came strong again, adding two further goals to their tally.