FC St Helens Women Look Ahead to Their FA Cup Clash Against Leeds United
Sunday 26th October will see FC St Helens Women face Leeds United in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. This fixture against the Yorkshire side promises to be one of our biggest challenges of the season so far, with Leeds currently sitting 5th in the Northern Division of Tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid.
The match marks our second away trip of this year’s competition, after a successful outing in the previous round against Thornaby in the North East. Leeds come into the tie in strong form, arriving off the back of a 2-1 victory against Hull FC last weekend in the Women’s National League Cup.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game, FC St Helens manager Rosie Havelin shared her thoughts on the upcoming contest:
“We will approach this game just like we have with previous matches where we've been viewed as the underdogs. We will respect that Leeds is a tier 4 team, so we don't anticipate having much possession. It will ultimately depend on how well we are organised and how effectively we can utilise the ball when we do have it.”
FC St Helens Women will hope to draw inspiration from their FA Cup run last season, when they defeated Leeds' fellow Tier 4 side Doncaster Belles at home in the First Round Proper - one of the standout upsets of that round. This weekend’s fixture will pose a new challenge, with the squad playing away from their home crowd. Rosie, however, is confident that the travelling support will make their presence felt.
“Our support is outstanding; we have supporters who travel with us near and far to games, and I can't express my gratitude enough. We need everyone this weekend- let's fill the stands with red and white. Together, we fear no one!”
Club Director, Judith Hughes, also offered words of encouragement to the team: “Sunday’s match represents a significant opportunity for our girls to maintain their impressive form and secure a place in the next round of the FA Cup. Their recent performances have been nothing short of outstanding, and there is a real sense of momentum as we look forward to the challenge ahead.”
Sunday’s fixture is a special one for Judith, who has a long and proud history with the FA Cup. A five-time finalist and two-time winner in the 1980s, she is also a lifelong Leeds United supporter, making this weekend’s tie a particularly special one.
“The excitement surrounding the cup draw was unbelievable!” Judith shared. Her only regret is that the match will not be played at Leeds’ iconic stadium, Elland Road. Instead, the fixture will take place at Wheatley Park, the home of Garforth Town FC. “It would have been an unbelievable experience to walk down the tunnel and step onto that iconic pitch - not just for myself but for the girls as well”.
Regardless of the venue, this FA Cup tie promises to be a memorable occasion for everyone involved with FC St Helens Women. With determination, belief, and the backing of the travelling supporters, the team is ready to rise to the challenge.
