Cup shocks at Wembley of course bring the name of Wimbledon to mind but how far will AFC Wimbledon Ladies go in the SSE Women’s FA Cup this season? We asked Club Captain and former Fulham player, Jess Trimnell.
The Dons have been banging in the goals in the FA Cup, with nine against Regents Park Rangers and ten past Abbey Rangers, with Kelly-Jade Whelan scoring four in each but now the London & South East League leaders face FAWPL South East Division 1 title chasers Gillingham away this Sunday in the 3rd Qualifying Round.
SK: How excited are you about a potential FA Cup run?
JT: I think any player is excited about a run in the FA Cup. The prestige that comes with progressing in this cup is like no other. After such a successful year last season winning the Surrey Cup and bringing home AFC Wimbledon’s first silverware in 10 years, I’m sure all the girls are keen to get their a hands on some more!
SK: Is the prize fund important to the club’s progress?
JT: Obviously any money we can pump back into the club will help with what everyone is doing behind the scenes, to make it a successful and attractive place for young players to progress into the higher levels. Lots has already being done to achieve that, and if we were to win some money for the club, it would feel like saying thanks for all that’s been done for us already.
SK: Which teams would you love to draw in later rounds and why?
JT: I think a chance to play anyone in the higher leagues would be great, and I want to see how well the team would respond to such a challenge. It would also give the girls that haven’t played at that level before an opportunity to see what we as a club are aiming for. I can’t speak for all of the girls but I’m sure some of them would personally like to come up against some of their old clubs.
SK: Do you fancy your chances against Gillingham?
JT: This is the type of competition where giants can be slain and champions made. Last season we proved that we could play against teams in higher leagues by knocking out Crystal Palace on our way to victory in the Surrey Cup. We have also had success in pre-season against Enfield Town. I think a Premier League side would be foolish to not give us the respect they would give any team in their own league.
SK: What do you reckon to your league title chances this season?
JT: We have had a strong pre-season and picked up where we left off, continuing an unbeaten run since October 2014. No-one likes to say too early on how well they’ll do, but I think we’re in a very strong position. There is a good feeling among the girls and we feel like this year could be our year.
SK: Have there been any new signings, or other changes?
JT: Kelly-Jade Whelan returned to us after her work placement in Germany, she has instantly slotted right back into the team and back to scoring a goal a game. We have also signed goalkeeper Shanell Salgado from Chertsey to give the squad a bit more depth. Otherwise, the big difference is our new ground; Sutton United FC have just had a new 3G pitch installed and we are very proud to be using this as our new home
Sunday October 11th
SSE WOMEN’S FA CUP 3rd QUALIFYING ROUND
Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon (Chatham Town FC, 2pm)
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