Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.6 2022-23

Dorking Wanderers will be aiming to build on what has been a good start to the season when
they take on Selsey Women in the Third Round Qualifying of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup
on Sunday.
Last season, Dorking - whose Chairman is Calum Best, son of the legendary George -
reached the First Round where they played Portsmouth, and finished runners-up in Division
One North of the London & South East League. This time around they have won three of their
opening four league matches and now have another chance to take on FA Women’s National
League opposition, having reached this stage with victories over Richmond & Kew and
Eastbourne Utd.
Dorking manager Lou Cooper is relishing the opportunity to take on the Seals and she
told Women’s Soccer Scene: “In the next round of the FA Cup, we will face Selsey on Sunday.
It will be a difficult challenge for us, but one we eagerly embrace.
“I am confident that all our hard work in training will pay off against tough opponents.”
“Who doesn’t love a good FA Cup run?” added defender, Bianca Underhill. “We
managed to reach the First Round proper stage last season, which was a huge achievement
for the club and players in the second season of the women’s team being formed!
“We’ve got a tough draw for this upcoming round, meeting Selsey who are two leagues
above us in the National League, but everyone in the squad is pumped, prepped and ready to
give it our best shot after a good few weeks of training and results on the board.”
Cherelle Khassal has plenty of experience at National League level and joined the club
at the start of the season from Portsmouth, having played against Dorking last season. The
Republic of Ireland international has also played for Chichester City and Crystal Palace in
recent years and still looks forward to the occasion of a cup tie.
“There's no better feeling then playing a FA Cup game, it doesn't matter what round it
is, the feeling is just incredible," she said.
The match takes takes place at the Meadowbank Stadium (3.30pm).

Downend Flyers are the largest girls club in Bristol, with over 300 players in their teams at
various age levels, but the senior team, which has been in existence since 2003, takes centre
stage on Sunday for the biggest match in its history when they play Cardiff City Ladies in the
Vitality Women’s FA Cup Third Round Qualifying.
Downend manager Dean Giles admits that his team face a difficult task against the
FAWNL Division One South West leaders but the match also presents a great chance for his
players to prove themselves.
“My thoughts on the tie with Cardiff City when the draw was made was, we couldn't
have got a tougher draw,” he told Women’s Soccer Scene.
“Then we looked at it as an opportunity to see how far we have progressed since the
restructure of the club and the rebuild of the team. So we are really looking forward to what
is going to be a really tough match.”
“It is probably the biggest game that Flyers have ever had and a massive opportunity for
everyone involved,” added club captain, Alice Baker. “A chance for players to shine - let’s go!”
“It’s a game we are all looking forward to,” said midfielder, Jess Lumber. “They are
going to be challenging opponents, but i think we are up to the challenge and ready to face
whatever gets thrown at us on the day.”
Team mate Harriet Giles insisted: “We are going to have to be at our very best to be able
to compete with a team who are top of the National League with a 100% record. As long as
we give that 100%, I am sure it will be a good game.”
The match will be played at Downend’s Pomphrey Hill home, with a 2pm kick off.
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