This Sunday sees WSL 2 side Everton take on Notts County of WSL 1 at Goodison Park in the first FA Women’s Cup semi-final of 2015. For the first time ever Wembley will host the final this year, adding an extra incentive to the remaining four teams.
This fixture is a repeat of last season’s semi-final which saw Everton emerge as 2-1 victors thanks to two first half goals from Nikita Parris, now on loan at fellow semi finalists Manchester City.
Since last year the Toffees have found themselves relegated from the top-tier resulting in the departure of Alex Greenwood and Fern Whelan who signed for Notts County as manager Rick Passmoor brought in a host of new faces to strengthen his side. In a cruel twist of fate for the Merseysiders following their semi-final win over the Lady Pies, it was Notts that sealed their relegation, beating them 2-0 to save their own top-flight status in the process.
The Toffees navigated their way to the semi-final again this year after knocking out WSL 1 side Bristol Academy in extra time, followed by a narrow win over Premier League Charlton Athletic who they beat 4-3 on penalties.
The Pies seemed to enjoy an easier route to the semi-final, firstly beating Premier League side Tottenham 4-0, followed by a 5-1 demolition of WSL 2 outfit Aston Villa.
Both sides arrive at this fixture on the back of league wins – Everton beat Watford 3-1 in their last game to remain unbeaten in WSL 2, whilst Notts defeated Sunderland 4-2 in midweek and are currently the league’s highest scorers.
Toffees captain Michelle Hinnigan is excited about the potential opportunity to make amends for their loss in last year’s final:
“It would be unbelievable if we do get another shot at going out and showing people the football that we can play. I think last season we didn’t play to our strengths in the final but it was a great achievement to get there but this year it will be a chance for us to go out there and show what we can do so hopefully we can make it to the final,” she said.
“But I’m not letting myself think that far ahead at the moment, we’ve just got to take it one game at a time.
“We’ve had the league to concentrate on but this week all our focus goes towards the semi-final.”
County midfielder Dunia Susi is hoping to seek revenge on Everton for last year’s semi-final defeat, telling the club’s official website: “Everton are a very well organized team. They have got a great history in women’s football and I know it will be a tough game for us.
“They knocked us out of this semi-final last year and I was absolutely gutted about that so hopefully we can make amends.
“This is a game that we have been looking forward to.”
