Nationwide Building Society, an Official Partner of The FA Women’s Cup, took the trophy to Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training headquarters and Gareth Southgate took time out to pass on a personal good luck message to the team.

Middlesbrough Ladies face a tricky away tie against Blackpool Wren Rovers, who made it through to the third round following a tense penalty shoot-out against Preston North End, but Southgate is confident that both Middlesbrough’s first team and ladies team will be in FA Cup action in the new year.

Boro’ manager, Marrie Wieczorek, a former England international, said: "The game against Blackpool Wren Rovers will be tough but we’re hoping that our name will be in the hat for the next round, when the Nationwide Premier League teams enter the competition. We’ve been training hard for this game and I know that all the girls will be up for it on Sunday."

Gareth Southgate added: "The FA Cup is a special competition and one that every player wants to win. I would like to wish the team the best of luck for their match this weekend and I hope that Middlesbrough have two teams in FA Cup action next year."

Chris Hull, spokesman for Official Partner Nationwide Building Society, said: "Away ties are never easy but I know that Middlesbrough will be well prepared and give it their best. I would like to wish Middlesbrough ladies the best of luck for this weekend’s match. The FA Women’s Cup is a fantastic competition which Nationwide are proud to support. It offers teams the chance to join an elite group who have been crowned winners."

Middlesbrough’s game takes place at Blackpool’s Brews Park on Sunday 5 December 2004, kick off is 1pm.