Emma Hayes says the SSE Women’s FA Cup final will be a match befitting of its venue – Wembley Stadium.
For the first time in the competition’s history the showpiece final will take place at the national stadium, where FA Women’s Super League with leaders Chelsea take on third-placed Notts County on 1 August.
Several of England’s World Cup bronze medal winners are set to feature on both sides, including Katie Chapman, Eniola Aluko, Laura Bassett and Ellen White – and Hayes is relishing the occasion.
Chelsea v Notts County
The SSE Women’s FA Cup Final
Saturday 1 August 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
“I’m very excited about playing at Wembley and for the whole club it’s a massive opportunity to perform on the biggest stage – everyone wants to showcase their talent,” she said.
“It’s the stuff dreams are made of. But as much as it’s a great achievement to get there, we’re not going there to go home as losers. We have the quality to go on to win the game.
“Notts County are a top team managed by a fantastic coach and I expect them to compete, I couldn’t think of a tougher and more fitting opponent for us to play.
Chelsea take on Notts County at Wembley Stadium on 1 August
“We’d like to think there will be increased participation and more fans coming to the game to watch the World Cup stars, and that’s the lift the game needs.
"We need to make sure we all do our bit and keep the game growing.”
It will be the second time Chelsea have contested the Cup final – although they lost in extra-time to Birmingham City in 2012.
The occasion is a landmark first for Notts County.
Among their number is defender Fern Whelan, part of the Everton team that lost the 2014 final to Arsenal.
And the 26-year-old believes there is every chance she can walk away from Wembley with a winner’s medal this time.
“Chelsea are a great side, but you’ve got to beat the best to be the best,” said Whelan.
Notts County's Fern Whelan says the final promises to be a close contest
“We’ve played them in the league already this season and narrowly lost to them 2-1, but competed really well and were unlucky, I thought, to not come away with any points.
“I think we can go one step further and we will know each other a lot better as a team by that point than we did when we played them last.
“So going into this final it should be a completely different match. Anything can happen in a cup final and we know that’s exactly what they’re about.
“On the day, whoever wants it more and plays the better football will win, so we’ll have 11 players fighting for it, hopefully in front of a big crowd and with a lot of our support there.”
Tickets for The Women's FA Cup final are on sale now.
Charter Standard football clubs from around the country are now being offered the chance to get up to TEN FREE tickets for the clash – just simply click here.
And if you want to attend as a group, then check out this special offer.
Full ticket details:
Adults £15
Children £5
Charter Standard – Ten free tickets to all Charter Standard Clubs
