The lowest ranked team remaining in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup have already made history in reaching the fifth round proper and Chatham Town could go one better this weekend.
And the occasion is made even more special for twins Amelia and Madison Woodgate who both play for the Chats, as the trophy dropped in to visit the Kent-based club ahead of Saturday’s tie.
“It just makes everything feel more real that we’re playing Birmingham on Saturday,” said striker Amelia. “Having the trophy here just shows us how far we’ve made it and it’s a massive thing for us.”
Having entered the competition in the third round qualifying, the club beat Beaconsfield Town before facing AFC Wimbledon and Exeter City – both of whom they overcame on penalties.
In recent rounds, victories over Sutton United and York City have seen them advance to the fifth round.
“Everyone’s really excited for it,” explained defender Madison. “We know we’ve got nothing to lose, so it’s just something exciting – a big step in everyone’s career.”
“Everyone’s just focused and getting ready now for this big game,” added Amelia. “We’re going to be training hard.
“Nothing really changes routine wise. The players like their own routines so everyone will try and keep everything in order so they get fully prepared for this match.”
Chatham travel to WSL 2 side Birmingham City on Saturday 21 February in a televised match-up live on TNT Sports 1 & discovery+ and although it will be no easy feat, the club are relishing the challenge.
“It’s really special for us two,” continued Madison. “We’ve been playing together since we both started so it’s nice to do this together as well.
“Watching teams like Arsenal and Chelsea growing up and now being a part of the same round as them, and potentially, if we get through to the next round, having the opportunity to play them is really big.”
The Chats, who hosted the second round draw, are managed by Keith Boanas who has previous in this competition.
The 66 year old, who described Chatham’s FA Cup run as a ‘complete buzz’, won this competition with Charlton Athletic back in 2005 as a manager, having made three consecutive finals, suffering defeat in 2003 and 2004 before making it third time lucky over two decades ago.
“It’s so important,” said Amelia. “For us, we’re so young so it’s a big opportunity to be seen on the biggest stage and for the rest of the players, the ones who are a bit older, this is a massive moment in their careers and something we’ll all remember.”
