Ellen White wants to repeat County's Cup success

Tuesday 21 Jul 2015
Notts County striker Ellen White is ready for the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup campaign
Ellen White had to watch on from the sidelines last term as Notts County came within a whisker of reaching The FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup final.

A serious knee injury meant the England striker missed out as her club side reached the semi-final, eventually losing to Arsenal after extra time.

But a fit-again and rejuvenated White returns to the Meadow Lane turf on Wednesday for the first time since helping England to third place at the World Cup and is hoping to help the Lady Pies take the competition by storm again this season.

Notts County v Birmingham City

The FA WSL Continental Tyres
Group 3
7.30pm, Wednesday 22 July 2015
Meadow Lane, Notts County FC
£6 for adults, £3 for concessions
Click here to buy tickets
By Charlie Talbot-Smith

They face Birmingham City in their Group Three opener and, having won the Continental Tyres Cup three times while at Arsenal, the 26-year-old is keen to hit the ground running.

"It will be a very difficult game against Birmingham, they’ve had a few players away with England recently which proves they have quality in their side," said White.

"But we’re excited to be back at Meadow Lane for the first time since the World Cup.

"It was a frustrating spell injured last season watching team-mates, I just wanted to come back and start influencing some of the games myself, but to end up being selected for England in the World Cup was a dream come true.

"I didn’t really focus on England selection during my injury, it was all about playing well for Notts County from pre-season otherwise it could start to mess with your mind a bit.

"I hope we can make it out of the group, it’s going to be difficult but there is a chance for us to progress if we play to our best."

Birmingham come into the game desperate for some good news after a run of nine games without a win in The FA WSL, that has seen them only score one goal in the process.

As well as Bristol Academy, WSL 2 clubs Aston Villa, Oxford United and Yeovil Town help make up Group Three, with all six clubs vying for a place in the quarter final.

Birmingham City defender Aoife Mannion.

Birmingham defender Aoife Mannion wants to get back to winning ways in the Continental Tyres Cup

But defender Aoife Mannion is confident that she and her team-mates can turn things around with a fresh competition to focus on. 

"The Continental Tyres Cup is a chance of silverware," she said.  

"We are out of The FA Cup unfortunately, and we are not going to be in the Champions League or challenging for The FA WSL 1 title. 

"A club like this needs to be fighting for silverware every season so this is our best chance. 

"This game will mean as much to us as any other game we play this season, it’s a big challenge because we want to win it. 

"Notts County are the sort of team we like to play against, they work really hard, but for us this is a must-win game. 

"I think it’s more of a matter of time before we kick on with our form and turn things around. 

"A few good wins under our belt will change our outlook as a whole team."

By FA Staff