FGR Women head to the ancient market town of Warminster, on the edge of Salisbury plain, on Sunday as they return to league action following their recent FA Cup elimination at the hands of Bournemouth in a fixture ended prematurely by the playing conditions.
Whilst last week saw weather of biblical proportions, FGR will be hoping the closest thing to a divine intervention in Warminster will be its upcoming run of Vicar of Dibley shows at Warminster’s theatre, the oldest in Wiltshire, The Athenaeum.
Rovers have made a great start to the season and sit just 3pts behind top of the table Sherborne Town. Charlie Rowlands is still joint top of the goalscoring charts in the league whilst at the other end of the pitch goalkeeper Ameliah Yarwood has just earned an international call up with Wales u17, following her impressive performances so far this season between the sticks.
It’s been an exciting start to the season for FGR built off of strong team performances that reach beyond the starting XI, with players performing well when called upon and others pushing the match day squad hard in training. But there should also be honourable mentions for newcomers Amy Leask and Katie Jones have been ever present for FGR with 7 appearances so far this campaign impressing in defence and midfield respectively, as have youngsters Rucker and Boyd in their more advanced roles.
The Opposition
Warminster Town were promoted to this level following their title winning campaign in the SWRWFL Eastern Division last season. They also reached their County Cup Final where they narrowly missed out of the double.
After a tough opening day defeat at the hands of Ilminster, the Wiltshire team have started to build up some momentum this season, most recently eliminating high flying Bristol Rovers from the FA Cup with a 3-2 win over the Gas Girls to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup where they will play Torquay. They are also due to face Swindon in the Wiltshire Cup quarter-finals in November.
Warminster are also the only team to have taken points from Bishops Lydeard in the league this season, overcoming Lyd 2-1 in an impressive performance.
Ones To Watch
Sophie Kelly is the clubs top scorer this season with 4 goals from 5 appearances.
In defence Millie Spratt, who often wears the captain’s armband, is a strong defender who is also capable of contributing goals, scoring two last weekend including a well taken freekick. Millie also won last year’s Manager’s Player award.
Last seasons top scorer Mia Blazey, who registered 20 goals for Warminster last term, has recently rejoined the club following a short stint at 4th tier Larkhall. The energetic forward is also capable of registering assists and will be a player for FGR Women to keep a close eye on if she is selected.
A bit of history – A Lioness and Warminster in the FA Cup Final
Former Warminster player and Lioness, Eileen Foreman, was present for Warminster’s FA Cup win last week.
Foreman helped Warminster Ladies reach the 1975 FA Cup Final where Warminster lost 4-2 to Southampton Women, with Foreman scoring both of Warminster’s goals. Foreman’s penalty in that fixture was the first ever penalty scored in the Women’s FA Cup Final.
Foreman was just 17 when she made her debut for England in 1972, just one year after the FA lifted its ban on Women’s football. Foreman would go on to win 17 caps for the Lionesses.
