Plymouth Argyle host Burnley this afternoon in the semi-final of the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Cup, with a place in the final at stake. The tie will be played at Home Park after Argyle were drawn at home.
This fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the two sides. While both clubs compete at Tier 3 of the women’s football pyramid, they are separated geographically: Burnley play in the Northern Premier Division, while Plymouth Argyle compete in the Southern Premier Division. The split exists to reduce travel costs in a tier where funding remains limited.
Plymouth Argyle
For Plymouth Argyle, this is the second consecutive season they have reached the FAWNL Cup semi-final. This time, however, the Greens are determined to go one step further.
Last season, Argyle were drawn at home against Stoke City, managed at the time by their current head coach, Marie Hourihan. That Argyle side was very different—battling inconsistency in the league after recording six wins and two defeats. Reaching the semi-final alone felt historic, but the journey ended in disappointment as Stoke secured a 3–0 victory, having led 1–0 at half-time. Stoke would later lose the final to Nottingham Forest.
The summer that followed proved transformational. Under Hourihan and her coaching staff, Argyle underwent a major rebuild, with only five players remaining from the 2024–25 squad. The recruitment drive brought renewed energy, identity, and tactical clarity.
As the season progressed, the Greens quickly found rhythm. They remain unbeaten against every opponent except Watford, who have inflicted Argyle’s only league defeats. Argyle currently sit second in the Southern Premier Division, having won nine league matches so far, firmly establishing themselves as promotion contenders.
Several familiar faces arrived with Hourihan, including Tamara Wilcock, Arabella Suttie, and Róisín Kivel—all of whom were part of the Stoke City side that eliminated Argyle last season. Now wearing green, they return to the FAWNL Cup semi-final stage hungry for redemption.
Plymouth Argyle have never reached an FAWNL Cup final, and the significance of Sunday’s fixture cannot be overstated. Players, staff, volunteers, and supporters will all be dreaming of a first appearance in the final—and the club’s first piece of silverware since promotion in the 2017–18 season.
Players to Watch – Plymouth Argyle
- Arabella Suttie (26): Commands the backline with relentless determination.
- Róisín Kivel (11): Tireless down the left flank; equally effective defensively and in transition.
- Una Lue (2): December signing from Cheltenham Town; scored on her debut and brings physical presence up front.
- Hermione Cull (1): First-choice goalkeeper with 15 clean sheets, signed from London City Lionesses.
- Ellie Noble (19): A midfield maestro and set-piece specialist; 12 goals this season, including two penalties.
Burnley
Burnley also arrive at the semi-final with unfinished business. Last season, they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out 1–0 by Marie Hourihan’s Stoke City.
Despite finishing second in 2023–24, Burnley endured a slight dip last season, ending fourth after collecting 46 points from 15 wins, one draw, and six defeats. They struggled against top sides such as Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who finished in the top three.
The 2025–26 campaign began under tragic circumstances with the passing of former manager Matt Beard, a widely respected advocate of the women’s game. Beard’s influence extended far beyond Burnley, and his legacy remains deeply felt. Following his passing, Lou Roberts stepped into the role of head coach and has overseen a remarkable resurgence.
Burnley experienced significant squad turnover, with nine departures offset by an ambitious recruitment drive. New arrivals included Melissa Lawley (loan), Maddie Robinson, Millie Chandarana, Brooke Cairns, Abbey-Leigh Stringer, Deirdre Bradley, Yana Daniëls, Jasmine Matthews, Alethea Paul, Millie Ravening, and Eva Spencer (currently on loan at Liverpool Feds).
The impact has been immediate. Burnley currently sit top of the Northern Premier Division, unbeaten in league action with 35 points, having dropped just four points all season through draws with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Halifax.
While Burnley have never reached an FAWNL Cup final, they bring valuable experience from the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, where they reached the fifth round and faced WSL opposition in Manchester United. Although United won 5–0, the occasion highlighted Burnley’s growing professionalism and ambition as they push for promotion to WSL2.
Players to Watch – Burnley
- Kirstie Levell (28): Leading the Golden Glove race with eight clean sheets.
- Millie Ravening (10): A Burnley stalwart; joint-most starts this season and central to their midfield.
- Charlie Chadwick (19): Burnley’s top scorer with 17 goals in 21 appearances.
- Emma Siddall (3): Strong, commanding defender and ever-present in the backline.
- Danielle Maxwell (11): Key attacking threat since joining from Cliftonville; influential throughout the campaign.
Final Thoughts
With two in-form sides, contrasting styles, and history on the line, Sunday’s FAWNL Cup semi-final promises to be a compelling contest. For Plymouth Argyle, it’s a chance to make history on home soil. For Burnley, it’s an opportunity to cap a remarkable season with a first-ever final appearance.
