Peterborough Northern Star’s Steve Jason say they are gearing up for their biggest cup game ever on Sunday 30th August, when they take on the might of FA Premier League Northern Division Derby County.
Star boss Steve Iredale is missing a couple of first teamers in Jess Evans and Abbey Young, who are both away on holiday but welcomes Larissa Fredericks back into the squad after recovering from ankle ligament damage in record time.
Also available for the tie will be new signing Cassie Steward, who along with her sister Katie, joined the club this week after a short spell at Leicester City. Katie is unavailable for a couple more games but Cassie goes straight into the squad for the game on Sunday.
‘Trying to explain to people just how big the tie is and the difference between the two sides is like saying imagine Posh [Peterborough United FC] had been promoted to the championship and then drawing the likes of Everton in the cup’ said Iredale.
‘However, we’ll give it our best shot – as the ladies have said, these are the game that you want to play in’.
Indeed, for two current Star players, Samara Iredale and Jess Farchica, the game brings back memories of the 2006/7 season when Star (then playing under the Peterborough Azure name) faced Derby, again a league higher in the FA Women’s Cup at Chestnut Avenue. On that occasion, the city team took Derby to extra-time, eventually losing out on penalties.
‘As most of the women’s and girls’ leagues don’t start until next weekend, we’re hoping for a large Bank Holiday crowd on Sunday – the three local County FA’s have been supporting the game by tweeting and updating their websites about the tie and several junior ladies’ teams have expressed interest in coming down to watch the game,‘ said 1st team captain Jodie Bartle.
Kick-off at at the Branch Brothers Stadium on Chestnut Avenue, Peterborough is 2pm, gates open at 1.15pm and entry is £2, although its free for all under 14s.
Pictured – Action from the goalless draw last week between PNS and Rotherham United. (Photos: Tim Symonds)
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