Preview | Argyle Women v Clapton CFC

Argyle Women will host tier 7 side Clapton CFC in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup this weekend in a fixture that shows the magic of the FA Cup is well and truly alive.

Clapton CFC have been the story of the FA Cup this season as the Tons have made FA Cup history as the first tier 7 side to reach the 3rd round proper of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. So far, Clapton have beaten four teams in their historic cup run. They ran out 6-3 winners against Haringey Borough in the second qualifying round and followed this up with another win beating Biggleswade United 2-0 in the next round. Having reached the 1st round proper, Clapton continued to face higher league opposition, this time in the form of Bedford Ladies. And while neither side could be separated in normal or extra time after a 1-1 draw, Clapton went on to win the tie 4-3 on penalties.

Then Clapton faced their biggest challenge so far, taking on FA Women’s National League South side Hounslow. While the tier 3 side had yet to win all season, nothing should be taken away from the terrific performance from Clapton to hold their opposition to a 0-0 draw and once again win 3-1 on penalties to become the first-ever tier 7 side to reach the 3rd round proper of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup and set up an away tie against the Pilgrims.

Argyle will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat against London Bees with another win in the FA Cup. Having dispatched St Austell 4-2 and Keynsham Town 5-3 in the previous rounds, there is every reason to expect goals in this exciting 3rd round tie.

While last weekend’s defeat to London Bees was a frustrating result for Argyle, there were still plenty of positives after another improved performance. If not for the excellent performance of Hazelton in the Bees’ goal, Argyle easily could have come away with a point, if not the win, despite individual errors gifting the London Bees three goals.

With our U23s side also in action on Sunday, manager Ryan Perks is unlikely to rotate his side too much, knowing a potential tie against Super League opposition could await the winners of Sunday’s game.

One player who could return is winger Amber Pollock. Amber, who has been out injured since last season after damaging her ACL, has been working hard to return to fitness and to get match ready for Argyle. The game against Clapton could be the perfect opportunity for her to return to the team and get some minutes as she looks to return to first-team action.

This Sunday’s game will be held at Saltash United’s Kimberley Stadium; kick-off is 1 pm, and tickets cost £3.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online here.

If you can’t make it to the game, then updates are available on social media @ArgyleWFC