The FA Cup-From North to South

The FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round Proper
Sunday 27 January 2008




After reaching last season's League Cup Final, Leeds have another tough all game, being involved in one of only two all-National Premier League fixtures.

Leeds are starting to show some form after their stop-start season pre-Christmas, and will hope to continue their unbeaten run in 2008 and make the quarter-finals draw on Monday.

Manager Rick Passmoor will be forced to make some changes for Sunday's game, with England U19 international midfielder Sophie Walton being suspended for the game, following her dismissal for two yellow cards in the previous round at Bristol.

"It's a shame we will lose Sophie," said Rick. "She has been playing well recently, but it gives someone else a chance to come in a prove themselves and make it hard for me to leave them out.

"I won't be able to decide on my line-up until just before kick-off, as we're going to give Katie Holtham and Jade Moore every chance to prove their fitness; Katie came off at half time last week injured and Jade hasn't played since the Bristol game when she took a very nasty blow to her leg.

"Mel Sutcliffe came on and did an excellent job again last Sunday - she scored from her most difficult chance, and is one of the players forcing herself into consideration.

"The players are eager to progress in this cup. We played well against Chelsea at home in the league but just didn't convert our chances and they went away with the points, so we must ensure we put our chances away this Sunday."

Newcastle United's FA Cup challenge resumes this weekend with a trip to to face Watford from the National league.

It is the Magpie`s first ever FA Cup tie in London and they will be looking to equal their best ever run in the competition with a place in the quarter finals at stake.

Neil Baistow and assistant Melanie Reay have a full squad to pick from and Rob Atkin, Head coach said: "We are under no illussions regarding Watford. They are the favourites but we know their strengths and also their weaknesses having had them watched.

"The players have worked really hard in training this week and they know what will be expected of them if they are to get the right result."