Siobhan Hodgetts-Still says the Albion Women staff and players are incredibly excited by the prospect of playing WSL giants Manchester United this weekend.
The Baggies face the current holders in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Fourth Round on Saturday evening (ko 5.15pm) at Leigh Sports Village.
They overcame Knowle Ladies, Worcester City and Cheadle Town Stingers before Christmas to equal their joint-furthest run in the competition, setting up a mouth-watering tie with last season’s winners.
“When the draw got announced, we were really excited,” beamed Siobhan. “To be facing Manchester United, the holders - it doesn’t get much better than that.
“We’ve done really well in the previous rounds and now I think we’ve got to go out there and give it our best shot.
“We understand the difference between the two leagues. In the WSL (Women’s Super League), they’re professional, it’s their job and they train every day. Our girls, they go to work in the day and then come here.
“Our league, and tier three in general, is getting more semi-professional, though, and the girls are working hard to compete at this level. They deserve this chance against Manchester United, to go and compete, and see what we can do.”
And long-serving skipper Hannah George, who has been the team’s captain since 2019, says she can’t wait to lead the Baggies out against the Red Devils.
“I had a feeling we would get a big club, a WSL club,” said Albion’s No.3. “When United came out, I was like ‘it’s us’, and it was.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to show what we can do and try to compete against the best. It’s a game that’s been etched in the calendar.
“We know it’s going to be a great experience. I’ll be extremely proud on the day to lead everybody out and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The tie is being shown live on the Adobe Women's FA Cup YouTube channel here, as well as via FA Player.
Good luck, Baggies!