There is always something magical about the FA Cup when it comes to football. Historically it is known as the oldest club competition in the world in the men’s game.
Even though the Woman’s FA Cup doesn’t have the same long history as the men’s game. Yet in the 53yr history that it has created, still offers hope and magic to all players and fans alike as they dream big and think about walking up Wembley way. Either to watch or play an FA Cup Final under the arch and lights of the National Stadium.
Cambridge United have already played a game so far in this season’s FA Cup as they qualified for the first round thanks to a 4-2 win over AFC Sudbury on the 22nd of October.
Plus, after a fine 4-1 win over Chesham United in the league last weekend. The side will be full of confidence going into a tie in what sees them as underdogs as they welcome MK Dons to St Neots.
Dons on the other hand will have pressure on them being the side in the higher division, and after last weekend’s back to back defeat to Portsmouth in the league and cup respectively, the Dons will be eager to get back to winning ways and will be hungry to taste success again. As once again they looked to see if they can reach or better last season’s FA Cup run that saw them eventually knocked out by Charlton Athletic in the 3rd Round.
It will be also an interesting trip down memory lane for some of the Dons players, as several players over the years have worn the shirt of Cambridge United. Mollie Coupar, Laura Mitchell, and Laura Bright for example all have donned the amber and black of United in the past.
But this familiarity will not put off the Dons. They will be looking to find the back of the net after drawing a blank in their last two fixtures and will hope for a result such as Cambridge City who share the same division as United.
Dons put 6 past them without reply and will be looking to repeat this score line on United.
Ahead of this weekend’s game we sat down with MK Dons Women manager Charlie Bill as well as Lucy Wood and ask them their thoughts on the FA Cup and what it means to them.
Lucy Wood – MK Dons Women
What does the FA Cup mean to you?
Fa cup means a lot, it’s a special competition with a lot of history, and anything can happen in cup football so it’s definitely important. We want a good cup run and the FA cup is a great opportunity to do that and potentially play against higher teams
What has been your best FA Cup Memory?
Winning 3-2 in the last minute of the game last season and getting player of the match
After the last few games. Do you feel like this is a great opportunity to get back to winning ways and showcase your talents ?
Yes it’s definitely a great opportunity to get back to winning ways. The last couple of games have been tough against a great Portsmouth side, but we created good chances, and hopefully on Sunday we can capitalise on those chances, score a few goals and build our confidence going into the next few games.
Charlie Bill – Manager MK Dons Women
What Does the FA Cup mean to you?
The FA Cup means a lot to me, growing up you have so many memories of different cup finals & memorable upsets. I feel an immense amount of pride every time I get the opportunity to coach in the FA Cup & one where we have managed to create some fantastic moments the past few years.
What has been your best FA Cup memory ?
We have created some incredible memories across the past 5 years of managing here. Last year’s run was an exceptional one where we managed a late comeback before going toe-to-toe with Charlton & being so close to causing an upset. In my first season travelling away to Liverpool was a special memory that always sticks out, to get the opportunity to coach against a WSL club.
After the last few games do you change your mindset when it comes to cup competitions. Or do you still treat it like any other game?
No it doesn’t’ we always want to go as far as possible in every competition, we were disappointed to be knocked out of one last week but we want to react in the best way possible this weekend. Cambridge have started well this season so I think it’s going to create a special Round 1 tie & one we need to be at our best to progress through.
Match Information –
Cambridge United Women vs Milton Keynes Dons Women
Vitality Women’s FA Cup 1st Round
St Neots Town FC – PE19 6SN
Kick off @13:00
Tickets On the door
Live Commentary – CW Sports Radio from 12:45 pm (GMT) – For more information please visit https://www.cwsportradio.com/
Podcast: Game On ! MK DONS FC WOMEN Podcast | Podcast on Spotify or Via – Anchor.fm/mkdonsfcwomen(New Episodes every Friday)
Images: Christopher Foxwell – For more information please visit www.ctfphotography.co.uk
