Nottingham Forest Women return to cup action this Sunday as they host Burnley Women at the City Ground in the third round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
The Reds were set to host The Clarets on Sunday 8 December, but after heavy rainfall in the area, the pitch was deemed unplayable, and the game was postponed.
Carly Davies’ side ended 2024 on a high after securing a last-minute 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough, securing them a place within the semi-finals of the FA WNL Cup competition. Charlie Wellings gave Forest an early advantage in the 15th minute after she slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Freya Thomas then capitalised on the open space found upon the delivery of a free kick from Lyndsey Harkin, firing the ball home.
Reflecting on the performance, Davies said: “I thought it was a dominant performance, for the most part. We started the game well within the first 20 minutes, but we lacked quality in the final third. We are really pleased to be in the semi-finals and to finish the first part of the season unbeaten.”
Burnley ended the year with a broken nine-match winning streak, after Stoke City’s Millie Ravening graced the back of the net from 35 yards out. Despite strong efforts from Hartley in the closing stages of the game, the Clarets were unable to close the gap.
Fans can expect a tight game on Sunday, as both teams sit within the top three of the FAWNL table. Nottingham Forest sit first in the table on 29 points, with a slender 1-point advantage over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Burnley trail 4 points behind, sitting comfortably in third place.
In the previous meeting between the two sides competing in tomorrow’s clash, Burnley held Forest to a 1-1 draw. Natalie Johnson scored the only goal of the game for the Reds, calmly slotting a through pass from Sophie Domingo into the bottom right corner. Burnley equalised with 10 minutes remaining, as Reanna Blades tapped the ball home to secure Burnley a point.
The winner of Sunday’s game will progress through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, and will face Newcastle United on Sunday, 12 January 2025.
Adult tickets for tomorrow’s game at the City Ground cost £8, whilst concessions are £6. Entry for under-13s costs £4.
*Article provided by Abigail Murphy (Women’s Football Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFCWomen Forest have been in fine form this season.
