Women's Team Returns In FA Cup

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Clarets to return to action with home tie as Cup fixtures get go-ahead

2021-03-09T09:48:11.851Z

Women's Team Returns In FA Cup

Clarets to return to action with home tie as Cup fixtures get go-ahead

2021-03-09T09:48:11.851Z

Clarets to return to action with home tie as Cup fixtures get go-ahead

Burnley FC Women are to return to competitive action in the FA Cup.

And the Clarets have been handed a home draw against AFC Fylde Women for their comeback in the second round of the competition – with the possibility of meeting Manchester United further down the line.

The women’s team – which was recently integrated into Burnley Football Club with the long-term aim of becoming a professional side – hasn’t played this year due to lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions.

Matt Bee’s side played only seven games in the National League Northern Premier Division before the league season was curtailed.

But with grassroots football getting the go-ahead to resume from 29 March, the Vitality Women's FA Cup will resume at the end of the month.

Women's Team Returns In FA Cup - Image 1

To ease planning, the draws have been made as far as the fourth round.

The Clarets therefore know if they beat league rivals Fylde on Sunday, 4 April they will then face another home tie against Sunderland AFC Ladies or Sheffield FC Women in the third round a week later.

And the incentive for getting through to the last-32 would be a tie against Women's Super League side Manchester United.

"It's positive news that the Women's FA Cup will be resuming, and we can return to play,” said Burnley FC Women Manager Matt Bee, whose side will face Fylde at their current home venue of Padiham FC's Arbories Memorial Sports Ground.

“We've had some successful runs in the competition previously and in what has been a strange season it would be nice to focus on trying to achieve another one.

“It will obviously be a challenge given the amount of preparation time we will have. However, I'm happy with the work we have put in place to keep the players engaged and sharp during lockdown.

“Ultimately, we have to attack the game in the same way that I always expect from the players and show the correct mentality.”

The rescheduled dates of the competition (subject to ongoing Government guidance) are:

First round - 31 March

Second round - 4 April

Third round - 11 April

Fourth round - 18 April