Women: FA Cup Preview - Oxford United

Match Info

Fixture: Oxford United v Watford
Competition: Adobe Women's FA Cup
Venue: MGroup Stadium (Court Place Farm)
Time: Sunday November 24, 1pm
Strip: Purple kit

Watford FC Women will be looking to make it four successive wins in all competitions when they take on Oxford United in the second round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.

A statement league win against Hashtag United last Sunday made it three wins on the spin for the Golden Girls, but they now face another strong side with a place in the third-round draw up for grabs.

There will be a little bit of added mettle considering the U's have already beaten Renée Hector's side this season in the league, meaning there are old scores to settle despite this clash coming in a different competition.

How We Got Here

Watford's place in the second round did not come easy; the side required penalties to get past AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

Maria O'Sullivan set the tone by saving the first spot-kick, before all four penalty takers for Watford found the back of the net, resulting in a tense, but rewarding, first-round victory.

Oxford United made life a bit easier for themselves, with a 5-0 win over Actonians securing their safe passage to this stage.

Pre-Match Chat

Golden Girls Head Coach Renée Hector spoke to watfordfc.com before the clash, highlighting the importance their previous performances can hold as they search not only for the win, but for revenge.

“We will take the confidence and the momentum that we have built in the last few performances," she said

“There is an extra bit in it because they beat us in the league, and we felt we deserved more out of that game.

“They are a strong opposition, but we are in a really good moment at the minute with a bit of momentum with the squad and team that are currently playing.

“There probably won't be too many changes, but certainly opportunities for those that are on the fringe to make a difference.

“It would be nice [to get it done in 90 minutes]! We don't particularly want to go to penalties, but if we do, we will be confident.”

Team News

Elkie Bowyer will be unavailable after taking a knock playing for Tottenham Hotspur, her parent club, during the week, whilst Daisy Hind returns from illness.

Kalani Peart and Melis Mehmet continue to ramp up their recovery from long-term injuries, with the pair building up their match fitness in the development team despite several small setbacks. 

“We need to make sure they get through a number of 90-minute matches before they are considered,“ Hector explained. 

Tickets

Tickets are available to purchase from the Oxford United website HERE, or upon admission to the ground.

Follow the game

Not able to attend?

Follow match updates on our X account @WatfordFCWomen, and see our website and app for a report and reaction after the game.