COVENTRY United Ladies are preparing to grace the pitch at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday (1pm) when taking on Southampton in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup.
It will be the first-ever women’s match played at the home of the Saints and will complete an FA Cup double-header at the stadium this weekend, as the men’s team play host to Tottenham Hotspur less than 24 hours prior.
With £2,000 in prize money and a last-16 place on the line for the winner, there is no shortage of incentives for the two sides.
United go into the tie on the back of a demoralising 5-0 defeat to Sheffield United Women though, with braces from Katie Wilkinson and Jade Pennock, in addition to Mollie Green’s goal, condemning the Red and Greens to their heaviest defeat of the season.
It was always likely to be a tough ask against the high-flying Blades, the nearest challengers to runaway leaders Aston Villa, at Butts Park Arena on Sunday.
Two quickfire goals on the stroke of half-time from Wilkinson and Green rocked the hosts, having been equal to Sheffield for the majority of an open first half.
Pennock then struck twice in the space of four minutes shortly after the restart, followed by a fifth from Wilkinson on 56 minutes, to all but confirm a seventh loss in the league this term.
Travelling fans making the trip to the south coast will be rewarded for their dedication by the promise of free tickets for away supporters.
To secure a seat in advance, call 02381 780780.
