Exeter City Women will be looking to make history this weekend as they enter the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, victory against West Bromwich Albion would see the Grecians in to the Fifth Round for the first time.
Albion play in the National League Northern Premier, a step above City, and will prove formidable opposition this weekend.
After a difficult start to the season, losing their opening three games, Jenny Sugarman’s team have stabilised their position in the middle of the division and will be looking for a prolonged FA Cup run of their own.
The Midlands team have eased in to the Fourth round, with comfortable wins over Crewe Alexandra, Lincoln City and Long Eaton, scoring fourteen times and conceding only twice along the way.
Prior to the mid week visit of close City rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Baggies had won all four of their previous fixtures, the Wolves’ three –nil victory on Wednesday ending a good run of results.
Leigh Dugmore has been Albion’s biggest threat this season, thirteen goals in fifteen games for the forward sees her amongst the division’s top goal getters.
Dugmore already has an FA Cup hat trick to her name this season, and so will be the one to watch for the City back line. Janelle Straker and Shannon Stamps have assisted with goals to back up Dugmore, Stamps recently hitting a late winner against Stoke City to gain three important league points.
City head in to the contest with a resounding win over Feniton last weekend, but will be in no doubt as to the high level of performance they will need to reach to overcome their opponents.
Cheltenham Town, City’s league rivals, did win a penalty shootout in the League Cup Plate Trophy game at Coles Lane in early December, so the Grecians will travel with the hope of an upset. With just two goals conceded in the last seven games, an in form forward line and three victories over higher league opposition already this season, Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley’s side enter the game with plenty of confidence.
It is twenty years since Exeter City Women last reached Round Four, can this team now go one better and make history at the weekend?
Match Details
- Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield FC
- 2pm Kick Off
- ÂŁ5 Adults, ÂŁ1 Concessions
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