Furious Norwich City Ladies coach Scott Emmerson has warned his squad they are playing for their futures.

The Canaries were destroyed 8-2 at Gillingham last time out in the Women's Premier League (WPL) Cup – their third defeat in a row.

They head to Actonians tomorrow looking to get back on track in South East Division One (SED1) after successive defeats.

And Emmerson admits it could be the last-chance saloon for some of his underperforming players.

He said: 'There was frustration and some strong words between myself and the players, which will remain between us. It's down to them to give me a reaction now. We should have a lot stronger squad in terms of numbers and options on the bench.

'I could only name one goalkeeper and an outfield player at Gillingham. Maybe it will create more opportunities for some bodies to come back in.

'So the players need to start performing and produce on the day. It's down to them collectively as a group.

'We've got some mature players and some younger ones. It's up to them to step up to the plate and say they want to keep their place, and that they deserve to keep it.

'I'm hoping we may be able to add a couple of new signings before the game but if I can't get it done in time there will be additions soon, which could really make everyone up their game.'

One of those new faces may be an American trialist, who has trained with the club, if her international clearance is completed in time.

Actonians were one of only four teams who finished below City last season in the 12-team table but did win the corresponding fixture 3-2.

So far this term they have won two, drawn two and lost three of their seven fixtures in all competitions.

The last time the two sides met, in Norfolk, City ran out 5-1 winners with impressive Canaries striker Chelsea Garrett netting a brace, just like she did at Gillingham.

'They are a good side and I'm not going to deny that,' added Emmerson of the Gills, who finished runners-up last term and are unbeaten so far this campaign. But I think, also, on the day we didn't perform and didn't really turn up, which is a bit of a shame.

'We were carrying a couple of people and that's not good enough. I was frustrated that we had to travel without a couple of players but I was more frustrated by the fact that we could have worked a lot harder and tried to execute our game plan.'

Emmerson's side started the campaign with back-to-back victories at Lowestoft (5-1) and QPR (3-2, cup). But it's been a different story since then with defeats following at home to Cambridge City (3-1), away against AFC Wimbledon (3-0) and at Gillingham.

Lowestoft Town will know exactly what they're up against when they go in search of their second win of the campaign this weekend. The Trawlergirls visit Gillingham in SED1.