Goals: Edwards 66′ – Hedley 74′.

Guernsey FC Women’s return to the Isthmian Women’s Cup ended in cruel fashion as they were knocked out on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes at Colston Avenue on Sunday afternoon.

Anna Gauvain handed three debuts in the squad, with Heidi Dawber making a long-awaited first appearance after missing out last season with a broken leg, while Chloe Ingrouille and Courtney Hicks earned their first caps off the bench.

Dawber’s debut was unfortunately ended early with an injury – fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Carshalton took the lead midway through the second half with a powerful strike from captain Georgie Edwards, but Calleigh Hedley equalised less that 10 minutes later, capitalising on hesitation in the home defence before curling in brilliantly from outside the box.

Hedley nearly won the game for the Green Lionesses late on, but was denied by the post.

Goalkeeper Kayleigh Marquis, who had earlier denied Edwards with a brilliant save after Guernsey had been caught playing out from the back, was injured late on in a collision, meaning Heather Smith donned the gloves for the closing stages and penalty shoot-out after the game finished all square.

Ingrouille defied her lack of senior experience by volunteering for the first penalty, which unfortunately was keep out by Carshalton keeper Solley, diving to her right, but Robins captain Edwards was unable to capitalise as she hit the post in response.

Fellow debutant Hicks missed the target before Tanya Dady gave her side the advantage in the shootout by placing calmly into the bottom corner. Hedley dragged her effort low and wide before Measures doubled the hosts’ advantage by stroking into the bottom left corner.

Codie Le Flem kept Guernsey in it with a firm low effort, but Nebitt held her nerve to make it 3-1 and put the contest out of Guernsey’s reach and send the Surrey side into the next round.