Maidenhead United Women reach what might be considered the peak of their season on Sunday afternoon when they aim to defend the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup title they won for the first time last season.
Last weekend’s draw at Ascot United – their opponents once again on cup final day this Sunday – ensured that Maidenhead are guaranteed a remarkable eleventh consecutive of football in the FA Women’s National League Division 1 South West, which is Tier 4 of women’s football in England. With five league fixtures left, Dave Kitson’s team are looking to finish in the top half of the table for the first time ever at this level.
The Opposition
Opponents Ascot United have enjoyed a very strong first ever season at FAWNL level this term after promotion as champions of the Southern Regional Women’s Football League last season and they are looking to etch their name on the Senior Cup for the first time.
Following last weekend’s draw at the Racecourse Ground between the two sides, Maidenhead – in fifth place - are three points and two places ahead of Ascot in the table with a match in hand. The match last Sunday afternoon saw Kate Akerman give Maidenhead the lead with twenty minutes left with a free-kick, but the home side equalised at the death through top-scorer Kate Fox. Another draw after 90 minutes on Sunday will mean that the final will be decided on penalty kicks!
The reverse fixture at York Road in September saw Maidenhead lead twice through Katie Akerman and Ines Cipriano, with Ascot coming back twice to win 3-2 thanks to goals from Beth Lloyd, Mia Delaney and Jacey Lane.
The Player's View
Ex-Ascot full Back Katie Vince (pictured) – part of their double-winning squad last season - has enjoyed a marvellous first season with Maidenhead United and is looking forward to playing in her first cup final for the club: “Reaching the final means everything to Maidenhead and reflects the hard work put in by everyone involved in the club — the players, management, staff and volunteers. We know how much support we have behind us, and we want to do it for them as much as for ourselves.
“An upcoming Berkshire derby is always something special and it’s exciting for young players across the area. The support and passion people show for the women’s game is incredible, and it makes moments like this even more meaningful. I can’t wait for the final — it’s going to be a match to remember. Ascot will want the cup just as much, especially after winning last year’s league cup and earning promotion. We know exactly how much this title means to both clubs.
“But this year my sole focus is on defending our title with my team, standing by them and making sure we continue to build our momentum as a club. We want to show everyone how proud and honoured we are to wear the badge.”
How They Got There
Ascot United
R1 H vs Reading, 1-0 (Kate Fox)
R2 A vs New Bradwell St Peter, 2-1 (Alice Balaam, Kate Fox)
SF A vs Abingdon United, 3-0 (Anaisa Harney, Erin Huntley, Mae Goulden)
Maidenhead United
R1 Bye (as holders)
R2 A vs Penn & Tylers, 2-0 (Alex Dover, Izzy Stockton)
SF A vs MK Dons, 1-1 (Lyndsey Preston) – MUWFC won 5-4 on penalties
Club Links
Vince was not the only player to swap clubs of late as Libby Doyle – who made an impression on loan at Maidenhead last season from Moneyfields – captained the Yellas last Sunday afternoon. Coming on as substitute last Sunday for Maidenhead was Megan Brown, who is dual-registered with Ascot’s Development side. Amongst the squad for the Yellas is Lily Pendlebury, who is sister of the Magpies men’s recent signing Alfie!
Tickets & Venue
The match will be played at Beaconsfield Town’s Holloway’s Park stadium, Windsor Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2SE with a 2pm kick off on Sunday 15th March. The ground will be open from 12:30pm.
To access the ground, please come off the M40 J2 and turn into the motorway services. Loop around the roundabout and stay in the middle lane. Turn right at the lights and the ground is 50 yards on the right hand side. Please see the BTFC website for details on parking.
Tickets are available at the turnstile on the day, priced at:
Adults £5.00
U16 £1.00
U5 Free
The clubhouse bar will be open for hot and cold refreshments and both sets of players and match officials will enjoy post-match refreshments in the clubhouse after the game.
If You Can't Be There
The match is being broadcast live online via CW Sport Radio
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