Powell: We'll do our best to try and make history

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Albion coach says her players won't lack motivation in today's Vitality FA Cup semi-final.

Bruce Talbot

2021-10-31T06:00:00Z

Albion head coach Hope Powell.

Hope Powell says her players are ready to ‘give it their best shot’ in today’s Vitality FA Cup semi-final.

Albion go to WSL leaders Arsenal looking to reach Wembley for the first time, but the home side are strong favourites.

“We know it’s going to be a very tough game, it would have been the case whoever we’d met in the semi-finals,” she said.

“But it’s 90 minutes, one ball, 11 v 11. And in a one-off game anything can happen. We’ve shown that before against the top sides, like when we won at Chelsea last season.

“We will need to be at our very best, we’ll probably need a bit of luck but my message to the girls is go out, relish the occasion and being in the spotlight and most of all enjoy it.”

The hosts are packed with international players but with ten of her squad on international duty last week Albion don’t lack players with big-match experience either.

“Representing your country and all the pressure and expectation that brings can only help our players,” Powell added. “They will be better for the experience – I’m just glad they have all come back in one piece and we’ve had some good days of preparation leading up to today.”

Albion last reached this stage of the competition in 1976. The FA Cup and women’s football were very different then. This year’s final will be the 50th.

Powell added, “What an incentive for most of our players, to go and play at Wembley in front of your family and friends. We know a lot will have to go right for us today but that is a massive incentive for a lot of the squad. We will relish the occasion and I know they will all do their very best to make history for themselves and the club.”