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St Helens dreaming of another FA Cup scalp  

FC St Helens produced arguably the most eye-catching result in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round when they knocked out the legendary Doncaster Rovers Belles with a 2-1 victory and on Sunday, they will be trying to take another National League scalp.

The North West League Division One South side, who have started the season well in their league, will be playing host to Cheadle Town Stingers who have taken the FAWNL Division One North by storm and currently lead the table after only having won promotion at the end of last season.

St Halens manager Rosie Havelin is under no illusions about the task in front of them, but she is relishing the opportunity to take on another National

League side. “We have truly experienced the magic of the FA Cup and we want our journey to continue,” Rosie told Women’s Soccer Scene.  

“We are not here by fluke. The girls deserve full credit, they have outrun and outplayed teams along the way.

“Up next, Tier 4 league leaders Cheadle Stingers. We don’t know much about them, which is the exciting part of the FA Cup, you can play anyone. I see

this game as an opportunity to really focus on our strengths and show what we are capable of.

“We trained Wednesday evening in the snow, it wasn’t ideal conditions for preparations but it allowed us to have some fun and keep the spirits high

going into Sunday.

“We will like always give it absolutely everything, the squad is full of confidence and they have a real belief within.”  

18-year-old midfielder Emma Burnham is one of the newer players at the club and after her first experience of playing against National League
opponents in the last round, she is relishing the opportunity to do it again.

“I am really looking forward to Sunday,” she admitted. “It’s great to be playing in the Second Round of the FA Cup.

“We beat a Tier 4 team in the last round, so hopefully we can do it again.

“I joined FC St Helens this season, I am the youngest player in the team but the girls have all made me feel so welcome, my mum and dad love

coming to the games as they feel just as involved as I do because of how welcoming the club are.

“Rosie and Jack have helped me on the pitch, they have encouraged me to express myself and knowing that they trust my ability provides me with

confidence.”

Ash Beard is having a magnificent season so far for FC St Helens, the 18-goal striker is currently the league’s top goalscorer and has formed a

good partnership up front with Sophie Griffiths, who is also in double figures for the campaign.

“I’m looking forward to a tough challenge against a very good side,” she said. “We have already made history with the club for getting this far in the

FA Cup, beating Doncaster Belles a couple of weeks ago was one of the best feelings I have ever felt.

“I believe it will be a good physical game and I personally hope to put in a good performance to help the club create more history. The girls are full

of confidence going into the game and excited to see what Sunday brings.”

The match takes place at SMS Pro Soccer Park at kicks off at 2pm, with entry priced at £5 for adults.