The Canaries were under the cosh for long periods in Hampshire against an extremely capable Cherries side, but City defended resolutely and booked their place in the second round courtesy of a brilliant Rachel Lawrence chip.
Lawrence’s effort earned the visitors their fifth away victory of the campaign and also inflicted a first defeat of the season on Bournemouth, who had won all of their opening matches – conceding just two goals – prior to Sunday.
Following a thrilling afternoon, Herdman said: “The staff team were right behind them the whole way through, but the girls were absolute warriors. That’s the only word I would say.
“They’ve not had to do that performance yet, where your backs (are) to the walls, you’re grinding, you’re just sitting back and then you’re looking to transition and catch them on the counter.
“They (Bournemouth) had four WSL or Championship players in the last four or five years. That’s big, that’s really big.
“Really, really proud of the girls. I wish I had a different word for proud, but honestly, this group of girls (are) fantastic, so kudos to them.”
Just as he had done against Cambridge United in the determining round of the competition, Herdman made multiple changes to his starting line-up for the trip to the south coast, but City were still able to produce the goods.
“The more positive momentum we have the better,” he stated. “We can win ugly, we can win by dominating the ball, we can win scruffy. We’ve just got to keep adding layers, that’s what good teams do.
“We’ve still got a long way to go, but the girls are going to enjoy that one, they have to enjoy it.
“QPR away next week, that’s where the bread and butter is, (in) the league this season. This cup is just going to add extra excitement for the group and keep those squad players, or the players that are still fighting for that eleven, involved.
“They’ve done enough to maybe warrant a start for the next round of the cup for sure. They all want another away trip. Probably not five hours away though, maybe two or three hours!”
Millie Daviss was one of the players who benefitted from Herdman making several alterations, having started only one league game so far this term.
Daviss said: “With the new manager, he’s getting to know everyone, which is obviously going to take a bit of time.
“I haven’t played 90 minutes plus since this time last year, because of my injury, so coming in today and putting in a shift at right-back was really exciting for me.
“My legs didn’t like it as much in the 100 and something minute! But I had a great time, and it’s great to play and show what I can do.”
Slotting in as part of City’s back four was something that typical central midfielder Daviss had to adjust to, with the help of her teammates.
She added: “He (Herdman) has obviously seen something that he likes hopefully, and with Ceri (Flye) out as well, it was an option that he had.
“I really enjoyed the role there, and having Anna (Larkins) next to me, and our back line, Alice (Parker) and Hope (Strauss). And Quants (Sarah Quantrill) at the back as well, I’ve got no fear.
“In the first half, I had to settle into the game, and that meant come the second half, I felt comfortable. It is very exciting to play in a different position and challenge myself as well.
“I mean, playing in centre midfield is a little different to playing at right-back. I’m looking forward to seeing what he thought of it and whether I stay there or not!”
Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Quantrill; Daviss (Harper 104), Larkins (c), Strauss, Parker; Todd, Knights; Cook (Lawrence 41), Stanley (Pernet 90), Symonds (Hailes 112); Shaw (Morran 56).
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