SSFC Women host Liverpool Feds in Women's FA Cup second round tie

South Shields Women host third-tier Liverpool Feds in the second round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

It will be a historic afternoon at 1st Cloud Arena with the lasses set to embark in uncharted waters, having reached this stage of the tournament for the first time this season. 

The Mariners defeated fellow fifth-tier sides Ponteland United Women and FC United of Manchester Women before knocking out third-tier Halifax FC Women on penalties to get here.

Liverpool Feds, meanwhile, entered the competition in the previous round and they withstood an early scare against sixth-tier side Thornaby FC Women (2-0 down in the first 10 minutes), to progress with a 7-2 win. 

Whatever the outcome on the pitch, there will be just cause for celebrations off it as the team looks to create even more history this weekend. 

Alex’s thoughts

Sunday's match is quite significant whatever the outcome and head coach Alex Miller wanted to take the pressure off the players leading up to it.

"We know that we're going in [as] the underdogs," she said at training this week.

"That takes the pressure off us naturally. It doesn't take the pressure that we put on ourselves normally, to have a good performance and things like that, but definitely the external pressure.

"We know that we're not expected to come out and put Feds to bed, but at the end of the day, we treat every opponent the same.

"We'll give them, hopefully, as good as we get and go toe-to-toe with them on Sunday!"

Liv’s thoughts

Olivia Mole had a few words to say leading up to the game today.

“I think we’re all really looking forward to it as a team,” she commented. 

“Obviously we all know it’s the furthest we’ve ever got in the FA Cup, so we’re all just really excited to see if we can go even further. 

“The atmosphere and energy in the squad is amazing, which hopefully will transfer onto the pitch. 

“The excitement during the Halifax game was huge and we’re hoping for the same again. 

“We’ve all worked so hard - as we know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but we will all work hard and support each other!” 

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena this Sunday, November 24th is at 2pm. 

Entry is £3 for adults and free for under 12s - season ticket holders can watch the game for free too, if they provide proof at the turnstiles.

Gates will open at 1pm and there will be plenty of food and drink available around the site. 

There will be a digital programme on sale for £1 on the club’s website closer to matchday, with quotes from head coach Alex Miller, club captain Becki McMahon, and lots of other features and extras included too.

This is perhaps the biggest game in the club’s history, so any and all support would be appreciated!