A stir in Swindon

Swindon Spitfires WFC v Swindon Supermarine Ladies
The FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON
First Qualifying Round
2pm, Sunday 3 October 2010
South Marston, Swindon Spitfires WFC
Click here for a full list of fixtures

Swindon Supermarine Ladies manager Dave Smith thinks the magic of The FA Cup and the buzz of a local derby will combine to make his side's clash with Swindon Spitfires extra special.

The sides lock horns in the Women's FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Sunday, with both eying a spot in the competition proper.

Since their inception three years ago, Supermarine have enjoyed continued success. Smith's young squad won back-to-back promotions elevating them to the South West Women's Football League.

They now sit top of the division after five wins from their first eight games but Smith is certain there is more to come from his youthful side.

And the manager reckons an air of familiarity between the two Swindon sides will make for a close affair on Sunday.

"I don't think we have started well but we haven't been able to field our strongest side yet this season," he said. "We've had to deal with holidays, injuries and work commitments and it has been tough.

"We're under strength on Sunday because we have two key players missing. But I hope the magic of The Cup can carry my players through, especially the younger ones.

"We'll enjoy it and go out there and give it our best shot. It's going to be close.

"The average age of my team is about 19; we are very young and we've got no older players. They're really excited and it's a different feeling every week.

"We have just been promoted to the same division as Spitfires so we're at the same level now. But we met them last season in the Wiltshire Cup and beat them easily.

"Both being Swindon teams does generate an extra buzz because we know a lot about each other. Some of my team played for them last season so there is an edge.

"This is a great competition for us and we did well last season and got quite far.

"There is a gulf in class with every round you get to but it's great for my players to test themselves and see how good they really are."