PREVIEW | FA CUP 1ST ROUND
Dartford FC Women take on Ascot United Women this afternoon in the First Round of The Vitality Women’s FA Cup. With kick-off barely 90 minutes away, here’s manager Connor Dymond’s thoughts on his side’s historical event:
One thing that we all love about football is that it’s full of history. We all remember those special moments, memories that remind us why we love this beautiful game so much. And many of those memories involve the magical FA Cup, arguably the greatest and most historic cup competition in English football, in world football in fact.
Today (Sunday 13th of November 2022) sees another historic event happening in the beautiful game. For, today marks the date when Connor Dymond’s Dartford FC Women make history. Today, Lizzie Adams and Co make their debut in the First Round (proper) of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
After a superb victory at Woking in the final qualifying round, Connor’s side booked a place in the hat for the most prestigious cup competition in the English game. As you let that sink in for a minute, I’ll let the manager share his thoughts on his and his team’s achievement…
“I’m delighted for the club and the players. They deserve it. Beating Woking was a real statement of intent. They were no mugs and are a strong side. However I always say to the players that, if they play well and work hard, they usually win. That was certainly the case at Woking!”
To say that life is good for Connor and his team at the moment is an understatement. Not only do they have something to celebrate on the pitch, but Connor has been celebrating off it as well. For, in August, a new addition was welcomed into the family with the arrival of baby Maddox!
With baby and mother/partner Jade doing well, life is good at the moment. Not only off the pitch, but on it too, because goalkeeper Jade returned to action shortly after having Maddox! After letting that notion set in, Connor reflects…
“We are all doing really well thank you. Another mouth to feed now, so we’re really busy… hahaha!” He continues, “…Yes, Jade is back playing a bit earlier than we all thought. But, she worked really hard and was chomping at the bit to be back between the sticks. Also, we’ve reached the 1st round of the FA Cup with a good chance of winning and creating even more history. I’m delighted.”
As we return to the matter of the FA Cup, Connor reflects on his own personal highlights of the competition and what it means to him… “The FA Cup is a wonderful competition. It means a lot to everyone, including myself because, there’s always that chance that you get to test yourself against better opposition if you succeed. There’s a slight dream that you’ll come up against a big club in the 3rd round. I was fortunate enough to play in the 3rd round against Blackburn Rovers when I played on loan for Newport County. It’s something that stays with me always.”
As we turn our attention to this fixture with Ascot United and a possible place in the hat for the 2nd Round, I ask Connor how his team are coping with the recent success?
“The ladies are coping superbly. The Cup run may have hampered us a touch in the league, but they have a real chance to make more history for the club. Thankfully, there are also no injury concerns ahead of the game either.”
And, as for the game against Ascot United itself, Connor shares his thoughts… “I’ll never go out to not try to win the game. That’s my game plan! We will do everything we can to try and achieve that (success on the pitch). He continues… “I’ll tell the ladies to enjoy the big occasions and to not fear anything. We believe in the ladies and, hopefully, they will have as many Darts fans at the game as possible.”
Encouraging words from the manager. Both Connor and his coaching staff continue to do an amazing job with the team, and the players should be proud of the achievements that their hard work has brought them as well.
Come along, support this great team and show the ladies that we believe in them as well. Rejoice in their success with them and, as far as the FA Cup is concerned, in the words of Connor Dymond… “Bring It On!”
By Chris Palmer