South Shields Women host FC United of Manchester Women in the third qualifying round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup this Sunday, at 1st Cloud Arena (2pm kick-off).
The Mariners beat previously undefeated Ponteland United Women 3-1 to get to this stage, through goals by Eve Gatens - voted as September’s goal of the month - Erin Naylor and Sophie Greener.
A win against FC United could take Shields into the first round proper for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
Sunday’s visitors have had a tough start to their NWRWFL Premier Division campaign, after being relegated from last season’s FAWNL Division One North in last place.
After nine league games played, they sit 11th with five points to their name but they have found success in the cup, having knocked Ashton Town Lionesses out to end up here.
Alex’s thoughts
Head coach Alex Miller has looked back to cup runs in years gone by to explain what that whole experience means to her.
“It’s just so exciting”, she shared at training this week.
“You never know what’s going to happen on a cup day, it’s that old saying.
“All we can do is dig ourselves in and keep going, and do everything that we’re good at, which is sticking together and playing football like we know how to.
“But previous years… there’s been a lot of excitement around that. It gets a lot of publicity as well.
“You’re always getting people asking you about ‘How are you getting on in the FA Cup?’ and ‘Who’ve you got at the weekend?’ so it’s great to get that engagement from people that might not have known about us previously but are jumping on board with the FA Cup.
“So really, really excited going into that weekend and hopefully we’ll get quite a few people there to support us!”
Natalie’s thoughts
Natalie May spoke to us this week to preview Sunday’s exciting cup clash.
She said: “Myself, the team and the coaching staff can’t wait for the game on Sunday - it’s a big game for us and we are all excited.
“We are working hard in training on new things as a team which is positive.
“We love playing at 1st Cloud and we are grateful for every opportunity we get to play there!”
Information for supporters
Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena (NE32 3UP) is at 2pm this Sunday, October 13th.
Entry is £3 for adults and free for under 12s - cash is preferred but card can be taken on the turnstiles if needed.
There will be food and refreshments available around the ground throughout the afternoon.
This is a massive game for the club and any support would be kindly appreciated by everybody!
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