Alisha Lehmann sends message to fans after 'really hard' Everton defeat sees Aston Villa crash out of Women's FA Cup

Lehmann's Villa side returned to action after the winter break and were comprehensively beaten by a superior Everton side. The Villans' cup run was stopped before it even really got going and fans will be worried if form does not improve next week when the WSL returns.

Posting on Instagram after the loss, Lehmann said: "Really hard and disappointing game today, focus on Friday from now on 🙏🏼"

Villa have been far from exceptional so far this season. Languishing in ninth place and just four points off the bottom, Lehmann's side will know they have to improve to avoid relegation. Villa have signed Lehmann's international team-mate, Noelle Maritz, from Arsenal to bolster their defensive options.

As Lehmann said in her post, attention for Villa turns to the WSL as they travel to face Leicester. Lehmann and Villa will be hoping to put the disappointing cup exit out of their minds.