Football is often measured in results — in goals scored, trophies lifted, and promotions earned — but sometimes, its truest power lies in moments. For Cheadle Town Stingers, this weekend’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round tie against Middlesbrough represents one of those moments.
It is more than a fixture between a fourth-tier and a third-tier side. It is a meeting of histories intertwined by last season’s heartbreak, when the Stingers missed out on promotion from the FA Women’s National League Division One North on goal difference by just FIVE goals.
For head coach Dylan Wimbury, now in his seventh season in charge, this match is both an opportunity for revenge and a celebration of how far his side has come.
“It’s hard to describe how we are all feeling,” Wimbury admits. “We are feeling excited more than anything. We’ve got a young, ambitious squad who might never get this chance again — we’re going to hopefully rise to the occasion.”
A culture built on togetherness
In many ways, the Stingers’ rise reflects something deeper than a run of good form. This is a club that has forged its identity not through resources, but through culture — something Wimbury is quick to highlight.
“The hunger to win,” he says simply. “The group is so competitive but we have a real togetherness. We feel for each other, we share moments, but it’s the culture that’s been set — we all like being around each other.”
In an era where financial clout often dictates success, the Stingers’ story is one of collective willpower and shared belief. For Wimbury, the FA Cup run is about more than the immediate reward.
“It’s massive,” he says. “Financially, we can’t compete with teams at our level now. We’re lucky that we’ve got a group who love playing together. But for us it’s getting young girls involved — this year should be our first girls’ junior team getting started. So it’s sharing a dream with these young players.”
That dream, in many ways, stretches far beyond Saturday’s kick-off. Each round of the Cup is another step in building visibility, credibility, and inspiration for the next generation of girls who may one day pull on a Stingers shirt.
The challenge ahead
Their opponents, Middlesbrough, are steeped in pedigree — a formidable side from a region renowned for its competitive edge. Wimbury knows what to expect.
“Football in the North East is so competitive,” he reflects. “Every team we play against from that area are so, so good. It’s gonna be a challenge, but they have to win the game because of the name and the club status.”
Preparation, however, has been complicated by uncertainty.
“They’ve had a change of leadership within the last week,” he explains. “Three weeks ago I could’ve told you how they were gonna set up. Now I can’t — they set up differently in their last game. But they are defensively very strong, so it’s going to be tough.”
Despite that, Wimbury’s message to his team is one of identity and belief.
“We haven’t changed for anyone in the last 18 months,” he says. “We have to stick to our game and what we do best. If we do that, we have a real chance. We can’t be feeling guilty of not being pretty on Saturday!”
Resilience and reality
The path to this match hasn’t been without setbacks. A handful of injuries threaten to stretch the squad’s depth — a reminder of how fine the margins are for clubs at this level.
“We aren’t going to be at full strength,” Wimbury concedes. “We’ve got two players out injured for sure — a dislocated elbow and soft tissue damage in a leg. We’ve also got a broken nose and a concussion; we’re testing them tonight and hopefully they can play Saturday. However, the squad is incredible — that’s why we have a squad.”
The honesty in his words captures the balance many grassroots clubs live with: ambition tempered by the realities of part-time football. Yet, even as they navigate injuries, financial limits, and the pressures of a televised match, there is a joy in the challenge itself.
“We’ve never been on TV — we don’t know how we’re expected to think and feel,” Wimbury laughs. “We’ve got a huge week of football ahead which is gonna have a massive impact on our season.”
Underdogs with belief
When asked about nerves, Wimbury’s response is both calm and grounded.
“We have to stay calm — we have to tell ourselves that nerves are a good thing,” he says. “The players know the adrenaline will kick in. We’ve got nothing to lose. Look at the two names who’s playing each other — we have to enjoy being underdogs.”
That underdog spirit runs deep at Cheadle Town Stingers. It fuels not just their performances but their purpose — a belief that moments like this can open doors, inspire fans, and plant roots for something lasting.
“We’re really excited,” says Wimbury. “This could be once in a lifetime that we get this opportunity. Everyone in the club is so proud of what we’ve achieved, and I can’t begin to think about the emotions we’ll feel if we have a positive result on Saturday.”
And in the stands, the loyal core of supporters who have followed the team home and away will once again play their part.
“We have a small club with a small but loyal fan base who follow us home and away,” he says. “As long as we can hear them and do them proud.”
A moment that matters
For Wimbury, the wider significance of this tie extends beyond the ninety minutes. It’s about what moments like these represent for women’s football in the North West — and for the future of Cheadle Town Stingers themselves.
“It’s huge — people outside of the North West would never have heard of Cheadle Town Stingers before,” he reflects. “They will have done now. We have big ambitions for a girls’ junior section at the club — hopefully this will be the kickstart of it.”
That sense of purpose feeds directly into the club’s longer-term ambitions.
“Our ambitions have stayed the same all year and will continue to be the same all year,” Wimbury says. “We want to prove to everyone in the league and ourselves that we are not a one-season wonder. Good teams go once — can we do it twice and go one better? Who knows.”
