Norwich City head coach Andy Cook admitted he had been planning his extra time alterations before Southampton Academy scored in the 88th minute to dump his side out of the Women's National League Plate.

The Canaries had led Sunday's contest thanks to 17-year-old Issy Moore's first goal for the club, which arrived just after the hour mark. However, the young Saints responded well and managed to turn the game on its head.

Anya Lucas and Kaylee Buckingham scored the crucial goals to take the hosts into the semi-finals, with Buckingham's late effort inflicting City's third defeat in four games.

Shortly after the match, a frustrated Cook gave an insight into the discussions he had with his coaching staff prior to that decisive strike.

He explained: "We were going to bring off the wingers and bring on three fresh legs after 90 (minutes) to ultimately try and get a little bit more aggressive.

"That was the conversation we were having, and then they scored the second, so it was just a case of making the changes and getting recognised forwards on the field to try and create a little bit of chaos.

"There were a couple of half-chances and a few little bits that could have bobbled through, but unfortunately it didn't come."

Millie Daviss in action against SouthamptonMillie Daviss in action against Southampton (Image: R.S.BROWN)

City goalscorer Moore's favoured position is in central midfield, but she started the game on the left-side of a defensive four, as she had done on a number of occasions this season previously.

Cook set his team up in a 4-4-2 shape for the first time when City beat Leafield Athletic in the FA Cup, and stuck with it seven days on for their visit to the south coast.

"The reason for the change of formation is we don't have the bodies in the middle of the park," he said. "It's brilliant that Eloise (Morran) goes away internationally, but then we miss her for these games.

"We're working with what we have and we're dealing with it, but sometimes, I like the challenge of that. The creativity that can come with it, Toddy (Megan Todd) doing a good job, Hailesy (Lauren Hailes) and Holly (Kennard) doing brilliantly in there.

"There are several players that can play there, but we're still a little light because of an international call-up and a couple of injuries."

Lauren Tomlinson drives at the Southampton defenceLauren Tomlinson drives at the Southampton defence (Image: R.S.BROWN)

As well as their availability issues, City had to contend with a late change of venue on Sunday, as the fixture was moved to Southampton's training ground after the Snows Stadium pitch was deemed unplayable.

Cook said: "It's not been brilliant, but you've got to try and just work with it. Obviously AFC Totton did as much as they could, the ground staff there were working tirelessly.

"We got there, set up as we normally do, then we had to pack it all away (and) come over here to the training ground and get set up again.

"We came out, warmed up and stayed out. Then at half-time we stayed out because it's a five minute walk (to the changing rooms) and we didn't want to make the players do that.

"There's all those choices that we've got to make. Whether they affect the performance? It's hard to tell, because if you win, you don't talk about it. If you lose, you can analyse everything."

The length of the journey to Southampton meant the City players had a rare overnight stay, and defender Hope Strauss revealed the team will do the same next weekend when they visit Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup.

She stated: "We obviously spend a lot of time together anyway during the week, but it's an added bonus to get to spend the entire weekend with them.

"It's good, especially if you're rooming with someone that you might not necessarily spend a lot of time with. You get to know them and learn new things.

"I think it's an overall good experience, especially for our younger players. We're all excited (for Cheltenham), and if we win I think it's the furthest we've gone."

Norwich City (4-4-2): Quantrill; Daviss (Cook 90+1), Flye (Densley 90+1), Strauss, Moore; Kennard, Medd-Gill (Bishop 59), Todd (c), Tomlinson (Symonds 90+1); Shaw (Hailes 80), Snelling. Unused sub: Locker.