WORTHINGTON: WE ARE HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS

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Vice-Captain Nicola Worthington on Sunday's Women's FA Cup game

2021-11-25T19:18:30.712Z

WORTHINGTON: WE ARE HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS

Vice-Captain Nicola Worthington on Sunday's Women's FA Cup game

2021-11-25T19:18:30.712Z

Vice-Captain Nicola Worthington on Sunday's Women's FA Cup game

Midfielder aiming to recreate success of last year's competition run

Midfield maestro Nicola Worthington is hoping history will repeat itself when Burnley FC Women take on AFC Fylde in the Women’s FA Cup Second Round Proper on Sunday.

Burnley saw off Fylde in the exact same stage of the competition last year and have the chance to repeat the trick after goals from Katie Thomas and Courtney Willis secured a 2-0 win over Durham Cestria in the First Round.

But revenge is also on the cards in this clash of local rivals after Matt Bee’s side went down to Fylde 2-0 earlier in the season in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League, something Worthington is eager to put right.

“It’s always a massive fixture when we draw Fylde, a bit of a local derby and last year when we played them in the same round it went to extra-time at home, we got a penalty before it went to penalties,” explained the 28-year-old.

“We managed to get a 1-0 win then but they beat us 2-0 in the league at the start of the season so we are after a bit of revenge really and hoping we can get the win and get a decent fixture in the next round.”

Worthington was part of the Burnley side who enjoyed a glamour tie against Manchester United in last year’s Third Round and is hoping a win can earn a similarly memorable and attractive trip to one of the top Women’s Super League sides, although she is not getting ahead of herself just yet.

“It would be massive for us to get through, we got a taste of it last year when we drew Manchester United, and I think that day will stay with a lot of us for a while.

“We are hungry for that again, hoping we can draw a Championship or Super League side again, but we can’t look too far ahead, and we need to get past Fylde first before we start looking at that.

“We’ve already played United so I would like someone else, maybe one of the London sides Arsenal or Chelsea away, they are in great form at the minute.”

WORTHINGTON: WE ARE HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS - Image 1

There will be no surprises for either side on the weekend with Fylde familiar foes for the Burnley Women, but Worthington believes her side’s superior physical fitness can give them the edge.

She added: “We do know each other inside out, they are a very physical team, lots of tall and strong players but also technical players in midfield.

“I think as long as we minimise their attacking flair and we play smart then we can come out on top.

“I do think we are physically fitter than them and hopefully that will see us through the game.”

It has been a double whammy of newfound experiences for Worthington this season.

As vice-captain she has led the side on occasion in the absence of injured captain Lauren Bracewell and despite being traditionally a holding midfielder she has popped up with some crucial goals and is not afraid to let fly from range in the style of her childhood hero Steven Gerrard.

She said: “You have to up your game a little bit when you are the leader - it gives you a boost when you know the team are looking to you.

“If my performances are up there then hopefully it drags the rest of the team up and encourages them to step up their game as well.

“I’ve been given a bit more of a free role to get forward and I’ve managed to get a few goals myself, which I’m really chuffed with and is something I really enjoy.

“Steven Gerrard was one of my heroes growing up - when he was in his prime he found himself in and around the box and I do like shooting from quite a way out, so I feel I do have that in my locker and I’ve always looked up to him.”

Sunday's Women's FA Cup game will take place at Kellamergh Park, Preston. KO is 1pm.