After a comprehensive first-home win last weekend, United will take an early break from league action this Sunday to focus on the F.A. Cup.
Although Torquay’s prime focus is a return to National League football next season, an F.A. Cup run can be very lucrative, if you can get through the early rounds. Potentially it can add a huge cash injection towards the financial stability that United will need if/when progressing up the tiers, and £3000 this weekend would be very welcome.
Of course, Sunday’s opponents, Plympton Ladies, will have their eyes on the prize. And why not? They top Division 1 South of the South West Regional Women’s Premier League after just a couple of games, albeit on goal difference. They beat Honiton by a single goal last week, but that was preceded by the double demolition of Bideford Women, who they beat 6-0 in the first qualifying round of this competition, and 9-0 in their league opener.
Isabell Firth is the player to watch. She bagged the winner at Honiton last Sunday having netted five times in the league outing against Bideford and twice in the cup!
United should need little warning about complacency against a Plympton side that is clearly both organised and knows where the net is. Having seen Torquay United’s men surprisingly exit the F.A. Cup at the same stage at Bishops Cleve just a week ago, Lee Mann and his coaching team will have their side well-drilled and focused ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
There must be a result with the game going straight to penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes. The winners will move on to the third qualifying round on October 13th, where the prize money will increase to £4000.
Please come and give the ladies your support in person on Sunday. The postcode for Devon F.A. Headquarters at Coach Road is TQ12 1EJ. Admission is £3. Food and bar facilities will be available.
But if you can’t get along there will be full commentary from 1.45 pm at https://tufcwomen.mixlr.com or you can follow updates on our social media channels.