Page 30 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.11 2021-22

Sports set for big occasion

One of the most intriguing ties in the Vitality Women's FA Cup First Round this weekend takes
place on the South Coast, where Bournemouth Sports will play AFC Bournemouth in a local derby
tie.
Established in May 2013, Bournemouth Sports Ladies FC provides an excellent
opportunity for local women in grassroots football. Promoting a supportive, nurturing and co-
operative environment, the club has grown year on year, and with that, have risen through the
leagues and have reached the Southern Region League.
Manager Ricky Barton says: "What an occasion to be a part of! It's been a long journey from
setting up the team nine seasons ago, to now, competing in the FA Cup First Round proper for the
first time. With a squad of close to 50 women, and two teams, our evolution has been considerable.
"The emotions of the previous two rounds are still fresh, from struggling to break down a
resilient Shanklin side, to contemplating the cup run over at 3-0 down with fifteen minutes to play
against Bishop's Lydeard.
"I am sure the team will give it their all to make it a competitive game, and ultimately we
can enjoy the day knowing there is no pressure on us being huge underdogs."
Captain Hollie Shaw added: "Our first ever time in the First Round proper. We always
knew there was a chance local rivals AFC Bournemouth could be drawn as our opposition and we
couldn't be better prepared.
"I am truly devastated not to be able to take part in the game due to injury, but I know for
sure the team will give it their all and vice captain Rosie will lead the team fantastically against her
former club."
"After the dramatics of our last FA Cup game, coming back from 3-0 down to winning on
penalties, and with this being a local derby, it's shaping up to be an exciting game," said Rosie
Eden, who will captain the team on the day.
"It's going to be a day of mied emotions, facing my old club with a lot of my old team mates,
but I am proud to be leading the team out. The team have all been so supportive and welcoming
since I joined at the start of the season."
Northampton looking at Bedworth test

Northampton Town have got off to a great start in the East Midlands League this season and they
have the chance to take on National League opposition this week, against Bedworth United in the
First Round proper of the Vitality Women's FA Cup.
It will be the first time that the Cobblers have reached this stage of the competition and
they will go into the match having won all of their games so far this season.
The team will go into the game against Bedworth with a proud defensive record, having
conceded more than one goal in only five of their last 45 matches. At the other end, young striker
Alex Dicks is having a great first season in senior football and already has 11 goals to her name so
far.
Lou Barry, who jointly manages the team with Josh Oldfield, told James Wiles ahead of the
game: "We're really looking forward to [playing Bedworth]. We're playing a team from the league
above so we're probably going into it as underdogs.
"Those are the types of teams that we want to test ourselves against. Hopefully we will show
people that we can compete against those teams."
The County Leagues…
Gloucestershire League
Olveston Utd preserved their seven point lead by beating Bristol & West 2-1, Olivia Hood
scoring both goals to take the points before Becky Billing grabbed a late consolation in reply.
Olveston's two nearest rivals met each other in the first clash between teams in the top three this
season and it was Pucklechurch Sports who defeated Longwell Green 2-0 with goals from
Tammi Haynes and Sophie Sweet. Bishop's Cleeve cemented themselves in fourth place with a
3-2 victory over Abbeymead Rovers. Lauren Cable netted twice and Leonie Gough the other,
Issue no. 11 - 11 November 2021 womenssoccerscene@mail.com