The FA Cup is one of the few sporting competitions in the world which have the local butcher, baker, candlestick maker and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in common. Starting in August with amateurs making their way through regionally-drawn ties, reaching its apex at Wembley in May, some of the best players in the world watched by a television audience of many millions.
Yet even Ronaldo could only dream of scoring inside 30 seconds of their debut in the greatest cup competition in the world. Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne would have been proud to notch a hattrick within 30 minutes of their first ever FA Cup match. Yet for a Berkshire-based youngster those milestones were reached on her very own FA Cup debut.
Slough Town Ladies started their 2026/27 Adobe Women’s FA Cup journey in the Preliminary Round on August 23rd . Cantley Park may not be Wembley Stadium, but in terms of financial incentive, a run in the competition is arguably just as if not more valuable to Slough Town Ladies than it is for WSL giants such as Arsenal and Manchester City. The tier 6 Rebels kicked off their Cup campaign away at Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League outfit Ashridge Park Women of Tier 7 and had the very best of starts.
Report: Ashridge Park Women v Slough Town Ladies
Within 28 seconds they had the first goal, so often so important in any cup tie. Megan Duffy’s shot came back off the crossbar and landed and landed nicely for johnny-on-the-spot teenager Amber Saunders who headed home. Amber recalls: “I was shocked when it went in, but it couldn’t have happened without the team pressing well forcing the mistake to lead to the goal.”
It got better and better. After 16 minutes, Saunders picked the ball up 30 yards out, advanced to the edge of the box and fired in a shot which hit one post and rolled into the side netting of the other post to make it 2-0. 28 minutes had elapsed before Saunders picked up the ball 30 yards out once again, edging to the box to then cut inside and shoot from outside the box, giving the Ashridge ‘keeper no chance as it nestled in the bottom left-hand corner.
The former Burnham Juniors, Ascot United JPL and Maidenhead United player had a hat-trick before the clock had even ticked around to half past two. Chelsea fan Saunders had the game more or less won before a brace of goals either side of the break from Duffy prior to Evie Smith’s late sixth goal of the game. It had been quite the FA Cup debut for Saunders, who admitted: “It feels amazing to be able to play in the FA Cup. Knowing the history and the incredible players who have played in the competition makes me feel more passionate to go and win and give our best. It’s a great opportunity for me and the team to create our own memories and hopefully go as far as we can.”
Versatile Saunders – who described her preferred position as “striker, but could go on the wings or as an attacking midfielder” – has been playing football “since the age of 3” and the highlight of her fledgling career so far was “my first season for Ascot United U16s, being able to walk up in front of a crowd and pick up a golden boot trophy for 42 goals”. Saunders clearly has an eye for cup glory as she also scored as Maidenhead United Development defeated Burghfield 13-0 in the 2024/25 Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Final.
So what next for Saunders and Slough? Well, first things first – a First Qualifying Round tie on Sunday 6th September against Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League outfit Marlborough Town at Arbour Park. Saunders – who cites former FA Cup winner Eden Hazard as her footballing hero – was feeling optimistic ahead of the tie: “I believe that, with the team we have, we are in a strong position. The 6–0 victory against Ashridge Park gave the whole squad a real confidence boost and showed what we are capable of. However, we know that the competition will become increasingly difficult as we progress, with each round likely to bring stronger opposition from higher levels of the pyramid. Realistically, I believe reaching the Third or even Fourth Round would be a fantastic achievement for us and the club overall, but we will need to go into our games and training with a positive mindset and have confidence within each other and use each-other’s strengths to work up the pitch.”
And beyond the FA Cup, Saunders – going into her third year of full-time college football with Procision Reading – is confident of a strong season for Juan Fernandez’s SRWFL Division 1 North Rebels: “I have faith that with the squad we have this season, we have a strong chance of finishing in the top three. We have strengthened in every position during pre-season and are currently unbeaten with six games played, pre-season and FA Cup. Our new players have settled in well and have already made a positive impact with their individual strengths. Overall, I believe we have the quality and depth to compete near the top of the table and have a successful
season.”
You can see whether Saunders and Co have what it takes to advance deeper into the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, with admission against Marlborough Town priced at £3, with turnstiles opening at 12:45 for a 2pm kick off in another big game for the Rebels.
The 26/27 Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Qualifying Round draw for Berkshire sides:
Matches to be played on the weekend of Sunday 6th September 2026. Prize money: Winners – £1,800, Losers – £450.
- Slough Town v Marlborough Town
- Wallingford & Crowmarsh vs Melksham Town
- Windsor & Eton v Andover New Street
