Thornaby FC boss Claire Streeter has called on her squad to create a bit more history this weekend as they push to secure a place in the first round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the second year in a row.
The Blues will face FC St Helens in the third qualifying round at Teesdale Park on Sunday (kick-off 2pm), hoping a strong home crowd can help them over the line.
The match comes a year after Thornaby’s memorable penalty shootout victory over Rotherham United in South Yorkshire, which saw them reach the first round of the competition for the very first time in the club’s history.
It was a day of heroics the team is desperate to repeat.
“We have been talking about the memories from last year,” said Streeter.
“We might never experience anything like what happened at Rotherham again because it was a first for the club.
“We created amazing memories and we want to do everything we can to try to replicate those for the players, the staff and the supporters here at Thornaby. Those are the days we love in football. I hope Sunday is another of those days.
“We know by winning that we could be up against a tier three team in the first round, and that would be fantastic.”
Thornaby will head into the cup tie in strong form, having already made a fantastic start to the new season in the North-East Women’s Regional Premier League. The team has won three of their opening four undefeated league games and currently sits at the top of the table.
FC St Helens are also in excellent form. They are currently flying high in Division One Central, sitting in second place with five wins and one draw from their six undefeated games. They also comprehensively beat Hyde United in the previous round.
Streeter said: “St Helens are a team we have not come up against before. That’s exciting. They have had excellent results, so we know it will be a huge challenge, and one we are relishing. You can’t beat the magic of the FA Cup.
“You have to be ready for that challenge and to be on top form to progress. We know we are up against a really good side who will fancy their chances against us. It will be a great occasion and it will be fantastic for everyone to be part of.”
Despite lofty ambitions, progressing to the first round proper would be monumental once again for Thornaby.
Last season’s FA Cup journey ended against an impressive Liverpool Feds side – a team from three divisions higher and just one promotion away from the Women’s Championship.
Streeter said: “It would be massive for a club like ours. It not only brings huge financial benefits for a club of our size, but it will also help put Thornaby on the map and showcase how well we are doing. It is a great opportunity for the girls to come up against high-level opposition too going forward.”
Thornaby, who beat Spennymoor on Sunday courtesy of Sophie Curle’s moment of quality in front of goal, are certainly heading into the tie in good shape despite a couple of minor niggles.
Claire added: “We have strength in depth, and we want as many of the squad as we can involved on Sunday to be part of the occasion.
“We can feel there has been a step up in terms of levels going into the league and it is going well so far, and we will keep working. We have high ambitions for this season.
“We are not in the league just to survive and be happy to be the newly promoted team who finish above the relegation zone. We want much more than that, and we want to push ourselves to the maximum and see where it takes us.”
Before Sunday’s highly-anticipated women’s FA Cup tie, Thornaby’s men are looking to build on the winning start under new management.
Craig Skelton and Simon Kasonali’s tenure began with a 1-0 win at Carlisle City, a result that lifted them up to 16th in ebac Northern League Division One after ending a run of 11 games without a victory.
Thornaby will travel to fourth-placed Shildon (kick-off 3pm) before Skelton and Kasonali can then prepare for a first home game in charge against Northallerton a week later on October 11.
Tickets are available at the gate, £4 adults and £2 concessions.
