Manchester City v Everton
The FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round Proper
2pm, Sunday 25 January 2009
Winning clubs will receive £750 from The FA
Manchester City manager Leigh Wood insists his side will go all out to produce an FA Women's Cup upset when they face Premier League high flyers Everton.
City booked their place in the Fifth Round after a thrilling 4-3 win over Preston North End, but now face an Everton side that are unbeaten in the League. Despite this, Wood believes that in The FA Women's Cup there are few certainties.
He said: ‘‘We go into the game as always looking to try and get a result. If we don't then there's not really any point in turning up.
‘‘We do realise that Everton are one of the best teams in the country and know that every single one of us has to be on top of our game. This is The FA Women's Cup though and surprises have been thrown up already this season.
‘‘We've been doing well at home this season and feel that on our day we can give any team a good game.’’
While their male counterparts were knocked out in the Third Round at the hands of Nottingham Forest, the Ladies’ progression in their competition takes on even more significance for Wood and the club, who are all volunteers.
Wood said: ‘‘The takeover [of the club by Abu Dhabi United Group] has had mass media attention for Manchester City and it can only benefit the club.
"As a voluntary run organisation all the coaches including myself give up our free time for the love of the game. The players pay a subscription fee at the start of the season and subs throughout the season.
‘‘The FA Women's Cup is important to everyone at the club, I think that this is the furthest we have ever got in the competition. With not playing in the League since early December The Women's Cup has given everyone a huge lift and we shall definitely be playing the strongest team we have available.’’
City will be hoping to continue their fine home form, which has seen them lose only one of their last seven home games in all competitions, while Everton will be looking to take a step closer to The Final after being knocked out at the Semi-Final stage last season.
