The FA Women's Cup Fourth Round gets under way this weekend, with a host of intriguing contests in store.
Sunderland's Beth Mead says her side can go all the way in this year's FA Women's Cup – but the in-form striker admits the pressure will really get going once the Women's Super League gets underway in April.
The Black Cats, who face Watford in the fourth round of the Cup on Sunday, are one of the favourites to win the newly-formed WSL 2.
Mead has been a key component of the side that have won three successive FA Premier League National Division titles, with the England Under-19 international notching 30 goals in total last season.
One of those came in vain when Sunderland, FA Cup runners-up in 2009, were defeated 2-1 by Liverpool in the Sixth Round in March 2013.
Mead scored 30 goals in the 2012-13 season
But 12 months older and wiser, Mead admits she is targeting success on two fronts this term.
“I think we can go all the way in the Cup, but of course the WSL is also a big chance for the team,” said Mead.
“Everyone is seeing us as one of the favourites, and there is a big expectation on me to score goals.
“But if we get a decent run going, I don’t see why we can’t be successful, we just need a bit of a luck.
“Watford are a hard team, they have been a bit of a bogey team of ours over the last couple of years so we want to win on Sunday.”
Fellow WSL 2 side Watford were downed in the fourth round last year by Leeds United – the same stage at which Reading fell victim to Cardiff City.
And the Royals’ new skipper Georgie Giddings, who joined in the off-season, wants to get her tenure as skipper off to a winning start against Blackburn Rovers.
Reading skipper Georgie Giddings
“As skipper I want to make sure there is unity in the team so everyone understands their roles,” she said.
“It’s important to contribute 100 per cent if we want to succeed in any competition, and the FA Cup is no different.”
Meanwhile it has been 20 years since six-time winners Doncaster Rovers Belles last tasted success in the competition, but Rebekah Bass has urged supporters to remain patient.
Gordon Staniforth’s Belles face Copsewood Coventry on Sunday having knocked out fellow WSL 2 side Aston Villa 2-0 in February.
But Bass insists Staniforth is busy building for the future. “Emphasis is very much about keeping the home grown talent and developing those,” she said.
“Of course it’s each to their own in regards to what players are brought in but here at Doncaster we are a very young team that is mainly about improving and bringing players up to standard.”
Durham's Beth Hepple in action for England U19s
Durham Women have been embarking on their first FA Cup adventure this season and midfielder Beth Hepple wants it to continue after this weekend’s tie against Sheffield Ladies.
Durham, formerly South Durham & Cestria Girls, beat Chichester City in the last round and host their visitors from the Steel City on Sunday.
“Things are going really well ahead of the game,” said England Under-19 international Hepple.
“It’s really fast-paced in training and we want to go out there and win. Last year was my first taste of the FA Cup with South Durham & Cestria Girls and I want more.”
Also taking their first steps in the FA Cup this season are newly-formed London Bees, and captain Dawn Mallett wants to hit the ground running against Cardiff City.
“Everyone is excited, it’s a new club and a new challenge for everyone really,” said the 23-year-old.
“If you ask anyone that has watched us train over the past few weeks they will say it’s been brilliant and we want to take that into Cardiff game.”
Fourth Round draw in full
1 Cardiff City v London Bees
2 Coventry City v Brighton & Hove Albion
3 Sunderland v Watford
4 Gillingham v Preston North End
5 Reading Women v Blackburn Rovers
6 Crystal Palace v Portsmouth FC Ladies
7 Durham Women’s v Sheffield FC Ladies
8 Doncaster Rovers Belles v Copsewood Coventry
