Women’s 1st Team faces biggest challenge yet in WFA Cup third round qualifier
The 2024/25 season Adobe Women’s FA Cup sees its third round qualifier matches coming up this weekend with teams competing to get to the first round proper.
The Adobe Women’s FA Cup is bigger than ever this season – the total number of entries grew from 732 last year to 745 this year – and the prize fund for each round has improved on previous competitions. The first qualifying round on 1st September saw 224 teams from tier 9 up to tier 5 compete in 136 fixtures.
Fleet Town Women, with its new squad and manager, has seen local draws in the first two qualifying rounds at our home ground, the Easy As HGV Stadium in Fleet. First playing Rushmoor Community FC and emerging with a 4-0 win, and then taking on Badshot Lea FC in the second round and collecting a decisive 8-2 result to get to the third round qualifier. The team has truly risen to the challenge, given this is their first season playing in tier 6.
In the third round, Fleet is one of just a few teams from the Regional League division 1 and the lower pyramid tiers to draw a National League team. We will be playing Dulwich Hamlet FC Ladies, a team which is doing very well in its league, currently positioned third in the table.
We are expecting the support this Sunday 13 October, for both Fleet and Dulwich Hamlet, to be our best turnout yet. It’s set to be a competitive and entertaining match, and regardless of the outcome will be a boost for women’s football at the Club, which celebrates 25 years this season. The team has done us proud so far and we are behind them all the way!
Two other teams from our own Southern Regional League Division 1 have made it to this round – AFC Stoneham plays a tough match against National League side Swindon Town and Havant & Waterlooville take on the relatively new Farnham Town side. We wish our fellow Southern Region teams luck in their Cup campaign!
Come to the Easy As HGV Stadium in Fleet on Sunday 13 October to cheer our ladies on. It’s a 2pm kick-off but get there early for a burger and drink and to get a good seat!
It’s just £5 entry for adults, £3 for concessions, and under 18s are completely free. Book your tickets in advance or pay on the gate!
