Quirk was a bright spark for AFC Bournemouth in what was a valiant performance in defeat against a higher-level opposition in WSL City to be knocked out of the FA Cup.
She was often tasked with bringing the ball out from the [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/?ref=au) half as they defended deep against their visitors, something she did well and got Bournemouth going forward.
The 23-year-old partnered well with fellow forward Jenna Markham, but neither were able to find the back of the net as they were beaten 6-0 by their visitors.
Asked about that pairing with Markham and the gameplan to use that duo to relieve pressure, Quirk explained to the Daily Echo: “We were working as a front two, as a pair.
“We knew it was going to be tough up against them. We were always going to be overloaded, but I think we made the most of it.
Sophie Quirk _(Image: Richard Crease)_
“We linked up quite well with support from the midfield and we had our chances as well. We've had a few shots on goals who were just super proud of that.”
On her experience of the game, up against some of the world’s top players, Quirk said: “It was unbelievable.
“They're the players you watch growing up, they're players you watch on TV, they're international players.
“So it was unbelievable to get on the same pitch as them and that's the levels that obviously at the end of the day, that's the levels you want to get to.”
The Cherries held their own for much of the first half, keeping City at bay.
They went behind with 18 minutes on the clock to a Bunny Shaw header, but they responded well.
But three goals in six minutes at the end of the half took Bournemouth out of contention, with control of the game going firmly the way of City.
“Obviously at 1-0 at that point, we were doing really well,” Quirk said.
Sophie Quirk _(Image: Richard Crease)_
“About 40 minutes into the first half and I think the three goals in quick succession; it was a big blow for us. It's just fine margins and obviously, that's why they're top of the WSL.”
Despite losing and being knocked out of the cup, Quirk said they could take a lot of positives from the performance.
“Our focus is completely on the league now and we're doing really well in the league and especially in the National League Cup as well,” she said.
“So we’ll just take the confidence from the performance.”