Hartlepool United were one of seven sides to recently cause FA Cup giant-killings over Premier League opposition, so we spoke with the Durham League side’s captain Jo Hurrell and left-back Caitlin Bates.
SK: What were the feelings ahead of the 3rd qualifying round tie?
CB: I felt nervous but excited at the same time, as I have never played or reached the 3rd round of the Women’s FA Cup before. We obviously felt like we were the underdogs because Blackpool Wren Rovers play 3 leagues above us and to a lot of people it would of been Blackpool who sailed through to the next round. A lot of preparation had gone into the game, therefore it was very nerve-wracking knowing it would all be over within 90 minutes.
JH: Very nervous that everything that could go wrong went wrong but we pulled together as a team and fought really hard for the win.
SK: What gave you the edge on the day?
CB: With us staying overnight, we had all prepped well and kept our focus onto the game as much as possible. On the day, we knew we had prepared as much as possible in the weeks prior to the game and we knew if we played our game, we had a great chance of winning.
JH: Even when I was tired and the team were tired and Blackpool had just scored, I could see everyone started to drop a little but all I could keep on doing was shout out instructions. Yeah, the girls where getting frustrated at me but it needed to be done and I can’t be prouder as a captain for the performance that was put out in the game.
SK: When did you feel you’d done it?
JH: When the final whistle went. Yeah, we were 2-0 up at half time but it was still anyone’s game. We had to go out and fight for another 45 minutes and that’s what we did. We held on to the end, each person playing their individual part. But as soon as that whistle went, the team went crazy. Amazing feeling!
CB: I felt like we had done it as soon as we went 2-0 up by half-time. We seemed to be just winning everything and were first to every ball – we just felt like the better side and wanted it more. When Blackpool got a late goal it was disappointing and we knew we couldn’t let it slip, as we just had 10/15 minutes to hold on to the win. It was a relief when the referee blew the whistle and everyone was just buzzing.
SK: How is your season going?
JH: The season is going great, we have a very strong squad and nothing is standing in our way apart from ourselves. We want the lot this season!
CB: I left the team for about 6 months to try and push higher, however now that I am back it feels great and I am glad to be back playing within the team. The season is going well so far as we are undefeated and have a very strong side.
Hartlepool United have again been drawn away to FA Premier League Northern Division 1 opposiiton, as tehy return to Lancashire to take on Morecambe in the 4th qualifying round on Sunday Novemner 8th, kick-off 1pm.
Pictured above – Caitlin Bates, Hartlepool winners at Blackpool Wren Rovers FC, Jo Hurrell.
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