Football in Berkshire, caught up with Caversham United Women’s manager, Georgia Graham ahead of their first ever fixture in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
The Goats kick off their campaign at home to Warminster Town Ladies, who play in the Eastern Division of the South West Regional Women’s Football League. Warminster were established in the season of 2020 and had a very convincing first season and successfully applied for promotion from Division 1 of Wiltshire County Womens & Girls League. Meanwhile, Caversham United, originally part of Caversham AFC, have maintained a spot in Division 1 of the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League since the 18/19 season having come eighth in their last campaign.
They have since rebranded and joined the impressive Caversham United outfit and look to build on their remarkable start as a new team.
Georgia made it clear the squad feelings about the pending fixture, “the girls are really excited at the prospect of playing in such a prestigious competition. It’s the first time a Caversham United team has been a part of the competition so it’s great for the club too.”
There’s lots of firsts for the Goats, as well as a brand new kit, they’ll also play at a new home ground. “We are hoping to get a decent crowd down to the game against Warminster, it’ll be the first at our new home in Mapledurham.”
The Cup offers something different for all the sides competing and none more so than debutants like Caversham, “Knock-out competitions are always exciting, I think they are always played with such a high intensity because both teams know there has to be a winner on the day.” It gives them a chance to experience women’s team from elsewhere in the country too, “It’s also nice to play opposition from different counties/leagues to test ourselves.”
The Goats will be looking to build on their successful pre-season, and despite how their first opening game of the season went, they’re ready to challenge themselves, “We have been back training since early July and had an intense pre-season with 7 fixtures in total. We were keen to ensure we had the very best preparation going into the season. The girls have been excellent, there is a real buzz around the squad at the moment and we can’t wait to get started.”
Georgia remains optimistic, yet realistic, as they head into their first run at the FA Cup, “Confidence is high but we will be taking it one game at a time. We have a tough opening round draw against a strong Warminster side, so the focus is just on performing well and hopefully getting a positive result.”
Please note there has been a venue change and the Goats will now play at The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, RG30 6AY.
A look at all the women’s fixtures for the upcoming weekend is right here, plus all your Vitality FA Cup updates.