NOTTS COUNTY manager Rick Passmoor couldn’t fault the effort of his players after their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

A first half goal from Ji So Yun was the difference and despite County starting the brighter of the two sides, Passmoor felt that the game swung in favour of the Blues and County never really managed to grab a foothold in the game after that.

“I think when you’ve got momentum, it’s very important that you take the opportunity. We started well but things changed dramatically halfway through the first half and they kept and retained possession. They caused us a few problems so during that period when you’re on top you must score.”

County’s only chance of the match came deep into the second half when Leanne Chrichton’s header was cleared off the line by Gemma Davison, who caused County left back Alex Greenwood problems all afternoon.

Eni Aluko was also a constant thorn in the side of the Lady Magpies and Passmoor felt that the difference between the two sides was the quality of the front three.

“Their front three are terrific players and that was the difference. They caused us problems and are front three didn’t have their normal standard of game. That’s where we lost it in terms of if we did get back in — even though it might have been through huffing and puffing in the second half — we didn’t have that zip and excitement in the top third.”