Another exciting weekend awaits for Moors Ladies as they compete in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup with a trip to face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
Having played out a 1-1 draw at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium last week, Billy Shackleton’s side now get to show their talents on another League One stage as they bid to reach the Second Round for the first time.
Blackpool play their football in the NWRWFL Premier Division but have had a difficult time so far this season and currently sit bottom of the table having tasted defeat in nine of their ten league outings.
Moors, who sit second in the NERWFL Premier Division, will approach the game in good spirits but can’t afford to take anything for granted as they look to continue their run in the prestigious competition.
Shackleton’s side saw off Ponteland United and Wakefield in the qualifiers, while Blackpool overcame Ashton Town and Ossett United to set up Sunday’s mouthwatering tie in Lancashire.
“I think the most important thing is that we don’t let the occasion get to us,” admitted Shackleton, whose side will be backed by a sold out supporters’ coach at Blackpool.
“You don’t often get to play at ground like Oakwell and Bloomfield Road, but we’ve had some brilliant opportunities this month and we need to keep focus on the task in hand rather than the occasion.
“Blackpool are offering free entry on Sunday so there’s a good chance there will be a decent home crowd, but we have to block out that noise and concentrate on what we’re good at.”
Moors will remain without the services of Neve Jackson and Beth Enguita who are both nursing ankle injuries, but Holly Middleton is expected to be back in contention after shrugging off a thigh problem. Drew Seymour misses out, but Katy Hemmingway is hoping to play a part.
“I’m confident in the players we have but I do think getting a couple of girls back would be massive for us,” Shackleton added.
“We don’t know too much about Blackpool, but we do know what our strengths are and that’s what we have to keep the focus on.”
It’s a 2pm kick-off at Bloomfield Road on Sunday and entry for all supporters is free, with travelling fans encouraged to wear blue and yellow to match Moors on the pitch.
