Lewes Women face their toughest test this season on Sunday when they host WSL1 side Everton Ladies in the FA Cup.
Since the start of the season, Lewes have claimed some notable scalps, beating Palace home and away, knocking Huddersfield and Keynsham out of this competition after long away trips and, last Sunday, beating a strong Charlton Athletic side to reach the semi-final of there FAW Premier League Cup.
On paper this looks like a tall order. Everton have recorded back-to-back wins, beating Bristol City 3-1 in the FA Cup and Reading Women 2-1 in the WSL.
Luckily for Lewes, this game is played on grass. Lewes Manager John Donoghue respects the standard of Sunday’s opposition, but is also impressed with the way his players have approached their work this season.
"Everton are a class act. They’ve worked up through the leagues to earn their place at the top table, beating a lot of the best sides to win last year’s WSL Spring Series.
I’m delighted to see our squad coming into this game on a good run of form. Last Sunday’s win away to Charlton shows how far the team has come and how we’ve grown as a squad throughout the season. The cup runs we’ve been on have created momentum and that’s shown in our results.
The players have worked incredibly hard and have committed fully to what we’ve asked them to do. These last few games have shown how well they adapt to changes in formation and personnel whilst maintaining a high level of performance in training and in matches. They’ve all been a real credit to this club."
Lewes Captain Kate McIntyre is also in a positive frame of mind.
“Everyone at Lewes FC is really looking forward to
this game, it is going to be a very good test for us as a team and individually but we are ready. We’ve had a good run of results lately and our performances are only getting stronger, so we’re looking forward to the challenge”
Lewes FC Chairman Stuart Fuller says the club are
making history, and called for the town to get behind the team on Sunday.
"Not only does this match represent the furthest the club have ever progressed in the Women’s FA Cup but also the highest placed team we’ve ever faced in a competitive match. Just before the draw was made all that we could have wanted was a home tie against a WSL side and that’s what we got!
I’m sure for some people attending today this will be their first experience of a women’s football match and I hope you enjoy the whole experience."
Tickets are available in advance, online right here on our website
www.lewesfc.com/post/lewes-everton-ticketsAdults £5, Concessions £3
Kids under 16 go FREE
FORM GUIDE (all
competitions)
Lewes:
Everton: WLLLWW
Doors open 12:30
Lewes FC
The Dripping Pan
Mountfield Road, Lewes
