Match Preview: FC United Women v Stockport County LFC

FC United Women will attempt to win their third Argyle Cup in three years when they face Stockport County LFC on Sunday 19 May.

The Final will be held at Millbank Linnets Stadium in Runcorn (WA7 6HP) for the second season running and will a 4pm kick-off as the second game of the day, following the 12pm Argyle Plate Final. Entry is priced at £3 for supporters.

United come into the game off the back of completing the defence of the Manchester FA Women’s Cup in midweek, with a 4-0 win over Salford City Lionesses at Brookburn Road.

Emily Marsh, Kirsty Chambers, Olivia Greenhalgh and Aimee O’Keeffe were all on the scoresheet for FC and Luke Podmore will be hoping for a similar outcome for his side this afternoon.

FCUMW’s road to the Final started with a home walkover against Burscough Dynamo LFC before a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Community at Broadhurst Park (3G), in the second round.

Kate O’Gara, Emily Marsh and Jess Battle were on target in a quarter-final win over Penrith AFC Ladies before the latter’s brace against Merseyrail Ladies in the semi-final was enough to send us into this year’s finale.

Like United, Stockport come into the game off the back of winning their County Cup, having beaten Tranmere Rovers LFC on penalties at the end of April, in their last outing.

The Hatters advanced to this year’s Argyle Cup Final having overcome West Didsbury & Chorlton 4-0 in the last four, meaning a repeat of last year’s Final in which United won to complete the treble, following a late Kirsty Chambers’ strike.

The two sides have battled well in the NWWRL Premier Division all season and shared the points across the two games this season. Having been beaten 4-1 at Stockport Sports Village, FC won the most recent meeting between the two sides; a 2-1 victory at Broadhurst Park last month.

The Reds will be hoping for a similar result this afternoon that would help them to retain the Argyle Cup and complete a 2018/19 cup double, in the final game of the season.

If you’re not at Millbank Linnets Stadium this afternoon, follow the game via our matchday coverage on our social media channels (@FCUnitedWomen).

For those that are planning on making the trip, we hope to see you there!

By Mikey Partington