Albion Women have two different incentives to beat Notts County in their Women’s FA Cup first-round tie: to win an eleventh match in-a-row, and secure their progression to the second round at the same time.
Charlie Fripp’s side secured three points on their FAWNL Northern Premier travels against Norwich City last weekend, with strikes from Monique Robinson and Riya Mannu the difference between the two teams at The Nest.
And the Baggies are keen to begin some positive cup form and continue another stunning statistic - as they’ve won every single home game so far this season too.
Last time out
The Baggies have enjoyed plenty of impressive Women’s FA Cup runs in recent years.
Their best efforts in the competition have come in both 2016/17 and 2021/22, when they reached the fifth round on both occasions.
Last time out, they were beaten by WSL Everton at the round four stage, despite a valiant performance from Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s side against full-time opposition.
The opposition
Notts County have won their last three matches in all competitions, so they shouldn’t find confidence hard to come by as they take to the Alexander Stadium on Sunday.
Recent entertaining victories over Wythenshawe (3-2) and Worcester City (4-3) have them up to third in the FAWNL Midlands Division One, the tier below the Baggies, so far this term.
Adam Dunleavy’s side also secured their place in Women’s FA Cup Round One with a dominant 8-0 showing away at Kirby Muxloe.
Emily Brett leads the way amongst the Magpies’ ranks for goals scored, having notched six across their various competitions - including two last time out at Worcester.
Before being reformed, County previously reached the final of the FA Cup in 2015, where they narrowly lost to Chelsea.
Pre-match thoughts
Milly Round’s return from a short-term injury has come at the perfect time for the forward.
Not only has she been reintegrated during a spellbinding 10-match winning streak, she has also come back just in time to make her Adobe Women’s FA Cup debut.
The young forward joined in the summer and has plenty of positive FA Cup memories from a supporting perspective, even though she’s never had the opportunity to step onto the pitch herself.
And despite her team's recent run, Round insists her side “aren’t quite the finished article” and still have more to give.
She said: “We rode out a lot of very difficult waves last weekend. It was a real show of character, and it shows that even when we’re not technically at our best - we can match that with passion.
“It’s a great group, and I’m really happy to be a part of it. I feel we’ve got a lot of different sides to us; in any game, I’m confident that we have the individuals and the collective to go all the way. There are a lot of aspects from the bench, to the girls who are injured and everyone who’s starting too.
“I feel there’s more to come as well. We think it’s just the start and we’re not quite the finished article yet, and when we are - it’s going to be quite scary.
“We keep growing together with each game we play, and in every training session, everyone continues to push each other, and it’s a great environment to be in.
“I’ve been really looking forward to being out there with the girls. It’s made the process a lot easier, and everyone’s helped me with that - even supporting them from the sidelines is a privilege.
“Getting back out onto the pitch has been really nice. It’s an environment that you get excited about being in, and that’s how great teams are made. The girls all push each other, and there’s not any negativity.
“The form we’re in is quite scary at the moment, and I wouldn’t like to be another team playing against us. Our mindset’s there, and we can only get better.
“With the form the likes of Riya Mannu and Monique Robinson are in, I can’t wait to be out there for longer. I’m just hoping to get some more minutes and get playing again because I’ve already built those connections.
“I’m excited to be part of an FA Cup run. I’ve never played in the competition before, and it’s very special to be able to play with this group. Having an older brother, I was always watching football - so being able to play in this competition is great.”
For the fans
The Alexander Stadium (What3Words: spent.backs.shades) is an inclusive venue which is easy to get to from around the West Midlands. For directions to the Alexander Stadium, visit this link, or you can find the stadium's accessibility information here. On-site parking is available in the South Car Park, and entry for the game is through the middle entrance in the West Stand to the left of reception.
Junior supporters can enjoy an inflatable activity on the concourse throughout the afternoon, while Baggie Bird will be out and about around the stadium. Be sure to keep an eye out, say hello and grab a photo.
Once inside the ground, refreshments will be served from the middle kiosk, including pies, chips and hot drinks, alongside a selection of crisps, chocolate and sweets. The latest edition of ‘Albion News’, the club’s official matchday programme, containing a featured interview with winger Izzy Lane - will be on sale around the ground. Presenter Paige Eagle will also keep supporters up-to-date over the PA system throughout the match.
How to follow
Tickets are on sale for £6 Adults, £5 Seniors (65+), £5 20-25s, £4 17-19s, £3 Under-17s and £2 Under-14s. Disabled tickets are priced at £5.
They can be purchased online now or on the gate at the Alexander Stadium on the day of the game.
For those unable to attend, coverage will be provided across Albion Women’s social media channels, as always.
The match report, reaction and match highlights will be available on the club website in the coming days.
