Ice Kamara was among the goals as Camden Town WFC took control in their Women’s League Cup tie against Worthing – before the visitors eventually went through on penalties [Sophia Demetriades]

CUP heartbreak didn’t quite fit the occasion, but for one of Camden Town WFC’s biggest fans, a thrilling encounter that produced six goals and then a nail-biting penalty shootout highlighted the “commitment, passion and dedication” that keeps him glued to the beautiful game.

Town surrendered a three-goal lead against Worthing on Sunday before succumbing to penalties in the second round of the Women’s League Cup.

Among the 100-plus supporters cheering Camden on at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in North Finchley was Richard Mahoney, who was celebrating his 100th match as club chairman.

Having overseen a remarkable period of growth during that time, including the club’s historic league and cup double in 2025 and subsequent promotion to tier six, the owner didn’t find it to difficult to pull out the positives.

“Of course, I’m disappointed with the result, particularly given how well we played for large periods of the game,” said Mahoney, who lives in Islington. “But football can be cruel sometimes, and we have to take the lessons from today and move forward.

“On a personal note, reaching my 100th game as chairman is a very special milestone.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to witness this club grow, both on and off the pitch, and I genuinely believe there’s so much more to come.

“The greatest privilege of being chairman is working alongside such an incredible group of players and staff. Their commitment, passion and dedication are what make Camden Town the club it is today, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

On the pitch, goals from Ice Kamara, Maya Brueckner and Amelia Shiner had put the hosts firmly in control against an opponent that plays a tier above them in the London & South East Regional League.

But a remarkable late comeback from the visitors saw the contest finish 3-3 after 90 minutes, before Worthing won an emotionally draining shootout 5-4.

Kamara, Brueckner, Ginny Somers and Minja Nilsson all converted their penalties for Town, but misses from Gemma Clenshaw, Madison Brown and Shiner in sudden death ultimately proved costly.

Despite the result, there were several impressive individual performances, the most notable of which was striker Somers, who was named Camden’s player of the match after playing in the heart of defence for a much-changed Town.

Reflecting on the cup loss, Somers said: “We’re gutted to have lost on penalties, especially after putting ourselves in such a strong position. But playing against a team from the league above, it’s another positive sign that we’ve shown we can compete with these sides.

“We really should have won the game, and that’s what makes the result so disappointing. We’ll take the positives, learn from them, and keep pushing forward.”