Reds At Hashtag Aiming For Final

Nottingham Forest Women are back in League Cup action this week, travelling to Essex for a 3pm Sunday semi-final clash against the reigning champions, Hashtag United.

Carly Davies’ side secured their spot in the League Cup semi-finals at the end of 2024, finishing the year on a high note. Charlie Wellings opened the scoring for the Reds with a smart finish into the bottom corner of the net. A decisive goal from Freya Thomas in the final minutes of normal time gave the Reds a narrow 2-1 lead, sending them through to the next round.

Elsewhere in the League Cup, Hashtag United ended Real Bedford’s campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory before the winter break. With four different goal scorers, Hashtag maintained a high standard of play despite a heavily rotated team, demonstrating their desire to retain the title.

Neither side have faced each other before, meaning the cards could be in anyone’s favour. Nottingham Forest are currently sitting in the prime position within the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division on 32 points, just ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who trail by one point. Hashtag also sit atop of their table within the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division on 32 points, with Ipswich Town trailing behind on 29 points. With both teams finishing top of their respective groups, fans can anticipate a tightly contested clash, with each side eager to maintain their strong form and secure a spot in the final.

Should Nottingham Forest secure a victory, they will travel to Walsall in March to face either Plymouth Argyle or Stoke City in the final, depending on the outcome of their respective semi-final fixtures.

Looking ahead to the fixture, Davies has said: “They [Hashtag United] are very hardworking, and they use a system that we haven’t played against this season, which is a good tactical battle for us and for our players. They [Hashtag United] are a territory team, so they will want to try and dominate us in advanced areas of the pitch, which can make the game transitional. It will feel uncomfortable at times, but the team will be prepared for it, as they always are. Our focus is to go and do our best and hopefully make a final.”

Nottingham Forest will be without two key starters in the upcoming fixture, as Sophie Domingo and Casey Howe remain side-lined. Naomi Bedeau and Caragh Hamilton made their return to the matchday squad last weekend [19/01/2024] and are expected to feature in the line-up once again.

Hashtag’s Emma Samways made her return to the line-up last weekend after being side lined for 329 days due to a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Tickets for the game are available to purchase on the gate, with prices starting from £1.

Abigail-Murphy Reds At Hashtag Aiming For Final

*Article provided by Abigail Murphy (Women’s Football Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFCWomen the Reds have been training hard this week ahead of the game.

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