South Wales Echo 14th Dec 1999 ?
Bluebirds beat Chelsea
and now face Arsenal
Cardiff City have drawn holders Arsenal at home in the forth round of the AXA Womens FA Cup.
And the Bluebirds, who defeated Chelsea in the third round, are ecstatic about their task.
“Its a mixture of fear and excitement for me,” said striker Julie Sinkins, “But I fancy the challenge of playing one of the best teams in Britain and every one of our players will be up for this.”
City’s ladies play their home matches at Cardiff Athletic Stadium, but they will ask the Football League Bluebirds whether they can use Ninian Park for the tie on Sunday January 9 (2pm).
“It would be fantastic to play at Ninian Park, but if thet cannot happen then we’ll be happy to play Arsenal on our regular home pitch,” said Sinkins.
City include Olympic canoeing hopeful Kath Pigdon in their team, while Sinkins is a tennis professional.
“Because we are involved at a good level in another sport we are tough mentally and can compete,” said Sinkins, “We are good enough skillwise and from my point of veiw. Hopefully we are doing that.”
City overcame Chelsea in the third round 3-1 in penalties after extra time.
Sinkins having put the Bluebirds ahead with a 30-yard shot, but Chelsea levelled matters and the match had to be decided from the spot.
Laura McAllister, Sinkins and Jenna Hopkins were on target from the Cardiff City Penalties as they emerged winners at Cardiff Athletic Stadium.
Barry Town play their third round tie on Sunday when they travel to Wembley, a team they have already beaten twice in the league. The winners will face Arnold or Birmingham City.
Barry are currently chasing promotion in the National League, having won eight of their 11 matches.
Newport Strikers face Hampton at home in their third round match this Sunday with the winners entertaining Fulham.
This Sunday, Cardiff City play Barnet in a National League match at home (2pm).
See your regular women’s soccer column in your Football Echo every weekend.
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