Following a solid 3-0 win over Maidenhead United in the league last weekend, we return to cup action this time in the FA Women’s National League Plate.

This Sunday, we welcome Bristol City Academy to the John Jenkins Stadium for a 14:00 kick-off.

Moneys reached this stage after finishing second in Group E of the FAWNL Cup opening round, collecting four points. AFC Bournemouth topped the group, while Ascot United finished third and Bournemouth Sports fourth.

Bristol City Academy is a side that Moneys have never faced before. However, the Robins’ first team in the WSL2 currently feature up to seven players who have progressed through the club’s successful Professional Game Academy (PGA) setup into the professional ranks.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s fixture, first-team manager Karl Watson said, “It’s a good draw — a side that we have never played before. The PGAs are always very good at bringing through young, talented players, and we expect a tough test on Sunday.”

Opposition Overview

Leading the young Robins on Sunday will be Academy Manager Natalie Haigh, who, as a player, had spells with Yeovil Town, Swindon Town, Coventry United, and most notably Aston Villa, where she made 33 appearances for the Women’s Super League side.

Haigh began her career at Leeds United before heading to the United States at age 18, where she spent two years playing college football for the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners in California.

In the 2022/23 season, Bristol City Women’s Academy achieved Category 1 Professional Game Academy status under an FA restructure, with teams ranging from U16 to U21.

Twelve members of Lauren Smith’s Barclays Women’s Championship promotion-winning squad in 2023 came through the Robins’ pathway, with several going on to feature in the Women’s Super League during the 2023/24 campaign.

City finished third in Group C of the FA Women’s National League Cup, behind Swindon Town (group winners), Gwalia United (second), and Keynsham Town (fourth).

Match Information

Kick-off: 14:00 (Gates open at 13:00)
Venue: John Jenkins Stadium, Moneyfields Avenue, PO3 6LA
Tickets: Adults £6 | Concessions £3 | U12s & Moneyfields FC Season Ticket Holders – FREE
Available: On Fanbase or at the turnstiles (cash & card accepted). Online purchases include a free matchday programme, while stocks last.

Additional Information:
Please allow extra time for your journey to the John Jenkins Stadium this Sunday, as the Great South Run will be taking place in Southsea for most of the day.

Parking:
Parking at the stadium is limited. Additional spaces are available at Ocean Retail Park, an eight-minute walk from the ground.

For updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage, follow us on all platforms by searching Moneyfields FC Women.