Reds Head North For Plate - An Alnwick Opinion

The games, they’re coming thick and fast as we head into the business end of the season, and for Nottingham Forest Women, their first chance to put their Vitality Women’s FA Cup exit behind them comes this weekend when Andy Cook takes his side way up north, to Northumberland, and to oppose Peter Hately’s Alnwick Town Ladies in the quarter-finals of the FA Women’s National League Plate.

Here at the Nottingham Sport, we got the opportunity to speak with the Alnwick boss, he in his second spell in charge of the St. James’ Park club following a recent change saw previous incumbent, Michael Third, step aside, and Hately return to the fore at a club that is, very much, in his veins.

“I was still part of the backroom team at the club and yes, I stepped back into the manager’s post when Michael (Third) left (for Durham Cestria),” began Peter.

“Now, I feel we’re starting to beat the teams we should be beating, and competing against the bigger clubs, around us.

“The girls as well, they’re enjoying themselves, which has shown in recent games.”

Of those recent outings for the Northumberland club, Hately’s side have witnessed mixed outcomes, and, with a win over Leeds United in the last round of the FA Women’s National League Plate competition, a 2-0 success with goals from Michelle Stewart and Lucy McConnell, shows the continued progression they’re making in the game which also included a debut for Lucy Bowman (Alnwick’s youngest ever player).

“We’ve been involved in some great games, and had some cracking days up here,” admits Peter.

“In beating Leeds, that another big game for us, and, in bringing in new players like Orla Callaghan, and Katie Ellwood, they’ve helped both strengthen us, and give a competitive group of girls.

“We thoroughly deserved the win over Leeds, and it could have been more if I’m honest.

“It was a big, competitive performance, and one we have to repeat when Forest visit.”

With a strong, trusted coaching team at Alnwick, akin to that which Teessider Andy Cook has at Forest, Peter knows he’s got the right ingredients in place for a successful future.

There’s just the Forest hurdle to overcome and, even though he, like many others, watched their recent FA Cup loss at home to Manchester City Women, he’s reading little into it, and rightly so.

The women’s game, just like their male counterparts, is all about levels, and the differences the higher up the footballing pyramid that is ever so often, present.

“I’m lucky that we’ve got some really good, strong coaches here,” continued Peter.

“There’s a lot of experience, across the board, both with the firsts, and with our development side.

“Opposing Forest though, their result against City, it can’t even be considered as there’s big gulfs between the leagues and, although it shows, its’ down to the experience of the day itself.

“We’re hoping that, with this being at our place, and we usually do quite well here, then yes, we can’t wait.

“Playing them, it’s been a great incentive for the players, and the coaching staff, and hopefully we’ll be able to get a great crowd in for the game.”

The full quarter-final draw for Sunday’s FA Women’s National League Plate competition sees the following games scheduled – Alnwick Town vs Nottingham Forest Women; Leafield Athletic (Birmingham) vs. Sporting Khalsa (Willenhall); Cheltenham Town vs. Exeter City; Portsmouth vs. AFC Wimbledon.

Alnwick Town Ladies (FA Women’s National League Division One North) host Nottingham Forest Women (FA Women’s National League North) in the FAWNL Plate QF on Sunday 6 February, KO 14:00 – the game will be played at St. James’ Park, Alnwick, NE66 1BG, entrance is £3 adults, under-16s free.