Burton Albion Ladies fell to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Northern Division One side Middlesbrough in the FA Women's Premier League Cup.

Goals from Jess Havelock, Emma Kelly and a hat trick by Emily Scarr saw Middlesbrough ease past a Burton side that featured mainly youth players.

Starting with five at the back, manager Jack White set up his side to defend against a strong Middlesbrough side that included Emma Kelly and Ellie Dobson – who were returning from Taipei after playing for Team GB in the World University Games.

It was Dobson who was pulling the strings for the Reds as they had all the early pressure. But Burton defended well, despite being camped in their own half.

As Middlesbrough kept coming, Erica Turner – who was back between the sticks – tipped a shot over the bar keeping affairs even.

Boro continued to pile on the pressure but the Brewers were quite happy to play on the counter attack with Sophie Corden and Jordan Atkin trying to stretch defenders with their pace.

Atkin forced the Boro 'keeper into her first save of the match, with an effort from the right wing, yet it was straight into her hands.

After holding out for so long, Burton's defence was cut open and Middlesbrough went in front from the penalty spot early in the second 45.

Charlotte Worth caught Dobson inside the area, at the second time of asking, which promoted the referee to point to the spot. Winger Emily Scarr dispatched from the spot to give them the breakthrough.

Buoyed by their first goal, Middlesbrough attacked in waves and it wasn’t long after that Jess Havelock added a second. Running at the Brewers’ back line, she unleashed an unstoppable shot from 20-yards-out.

Emma Kelly and Scarr doubled the score line, leaving the Brewers breathless before the referee pointed to the spot once again five minutes from time. Scarr stepped up and drove it home to complete her hat trick.

The loss sees Burton Albion Ladies entered into the FA Women's Premier League Plate.

White said: "We're obviously disappointed to have lost the match but I'm proud of the girls as they gave a good account of themselves against a team who are one of the strongest in the league above.

"The players performed well in a system that they have only learnt on Thursday. They are all aware that they must be able to play in various ways to succeed at the highest level."

The team featured Sophie Liggins, who has moved up to the first team this season, and three reserve players on the bench. On those players, White said: "Two more of our academy players, Charlotte Cresswell and Megan Herbstritt, came on and were very keen to show everyone what they can do."

"The lesson of the day is that these players are up for the challenges put to them.

"We've quickly proved our worth in our own division and are already looking forward to continuing the league form next week.

"I'd also like to praise the versatility of our players who adapted their role to make up for the absence of a couple of key players."