Women hit the FA Cup trail too

Jan 4 2008 by Paul Garrity, Liverpool Daily Post

AFTER a break from football over the festive period, both Liverpool and Everton return to action on Sunday as they start their FA Cup campaigns.

Liverpool have a home tie with Forest Green Rovers from the South West Combination league at Skelmersdale United.

Rovers are currently struggling in their league and are just three points from the bottom of the table.

David Bradley’s side however, are relatively safe from relegation in the top division, so on paper should come through this fixture unscathed.

A trip to North London is on the cards for Everton with Barnet their opponents.

The two sides did meet in the early rounds of the League Cup back in September with Everton running out 6-0 winners.

Mo Marley’s side will be without long term injury victims Rachel Brown and Fara Williams, whilst a player that scored a hat-trick against the Bees last time out, Kelly McDougall, is also sidelined.

The last fixture for both sides was in the semi-finals of the League Cup, with Liverpool missing out to Arsenal, whilst Everton beat Watford after extra time, thanks to a late strike from 17-year-old striker Toni Duggan.

Teams from the National Premier Division enter the FA Cup at the fourth round stage, although Tranmere lost to Sunderland in round three, so have a free weekend as a result.

Other ties of importance see holders Arsenal host Newquay, Leeds United travel to Bristol Academy and outsiders Chelsea are at home to Middlesbrough.

Everton are considered to be second favourites for the competition, with the mighty Gunners once again the team to beat when the final comes around in May.

But the road to the final starts on Sunday for two of our local sides, and both Liverpool and Everton kick off at 1pm on Sunday.