West Ham’s captain, Gilly Flaherty, said losing at Wembley to Manchester City is something her younger teammates will use as motivation for the rest of their careers. Having lost two finals herself – and won seven more in assorted competitions – the centre-back knows exactly how defeat can fuel the fire as much as the taste of victory. “A defeat is never easy, especially an FA Cup final,” said Flaherty. “But these girls will never want to feel that again and it will spur them on. Whether they stay or go, they’ll take so many life lessons from today alone.” The Hammers competed in the newly professional Women’s Super League this season, having been granted a licence to move from the amateur third tier to the top by the FA. Flaherty believes they have turned a few heads: “We’re sitting mid-table, we had no relegation battle, which I think surprised people. It’s the unknown.” Their gallant first-half performance at Wembley also caught many a little off guard – not least their opponents. After 7-1 and 3-1 victories over West Ham in the league this season, it was easy to believe this would be plain sailing for City. But the former…