Billericay Town Manager Kim Coster has her eyes on a return to the BBC Essex Women’s Cup Final for the second time in three years, but her side will first have to negotiate a tricky tie against Little Thurrock Dynamos following the draw for the Semi-Finals.
Click here to listen to Kim Coster’s post-draw interview.
Town came up short at the final hurdle in 2014/5 when they were defeated by a strong C&K Basildon side and Kim was relieved to have avoided the competition favourites in the final four this season. “I’m pleased that we’ve got a home fixture,” she reacted. “I’ve got massive respect for Darren [Fraser] at Little Thurrock Dynamos.”
“I think anyone in the draw would have wanted to avoid C&K Basildon, so I’m pleased we have. Hopefully we can do well enough and get through to the final, which would be superb. We’ve been there previously and it’s great for the players and great for the supporters, but it’s also great for the coaches, the management and the rest of the club.”
Two Quarter-Finals are still outstanding due to the weather, but the handful of clubs left in the competition will have one eye on a showpiece at AFC Hornchurch on Thursday 13th April. Two special guests assisted with the draw proceedings. Kim pulled out the home clubs, while Glenn Speller from the BBC Essex Sports Team was responsible for the away teams.
Kim’s team recorded a 3-1 home win over Brentwood Town in the last round, while Little Thurrock were winners by two goals to one after extra time at Harlow Town. Hutton still aim to upset the current holders C&K Basildon in their Quarter-Final, with the winners travelling to either Lawford or Writtle.
Coster is in no doubt as to the current strength of Essex female football, adding: “There are a lot of good teams with good management and lots of support. One thing is that the Essex FA really do support female football and there are a lot of good people there. It’s definitely on the up with younger teams at Under 14s, 16s and 18s. It’s in a really strong position.”
BBC Essex Women’s Cup Semi-Finals (Sunday 19th February)
Billericay Town vs Little Thurrock Dynamos
Lawford or Writtle vs Hutton or C&K Basildon
Source / photo – essexfa.com
