Katie Chapman has achieved a lot in her illustrious career but the Chelsea midfielder admits a trip to Wembley would be amazing ahead of The FA Women’s Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City.
Chapman has a remarkable record in the competition having won The FA Women’s Cup a stunning eight times with four different clubs.
The former Millwall, Fulham, Charlton and Arsenal star goes in search of yet more success with FA WSL 1 leaders Chelsea this season but knows a stern Manchester City side stand in their way at Adams Park on Monday.
Chelsea v Man City
The FA Women's Cup
Semi-Final
2pm, Monday 4 May
Adams Park, Wycombe Wanderers FC
Tickets priced £5 adults, £2 children
The winners will travel to Wembley for The Final on Saturday 1 August and England international Chapman says it would be a dream to finally play at the iconic stadium.
“It's an FA Cup semi-final, it's going to be a massive game and both teams are going to want to get into that Final at Wembley,” said Chapman.
“Getting to Wembley is a massive incentive and I think it's great for women's football in this country because it's a massive stage to be on.
“To get a lot of supporters going there to support the women's game is fantastic. I haven't played there yet so it would be amazing for me and we'll see what happens.
“When we face Manchester City I'm expecting another tough, physical game and it's important for us that we stick to our game plan and play the football we know we can.
“I think we've proved that we're great defensively because we're not conceding goals, but I think it's going to be a great game.”
Manchester City are also getting used to silverware having won The FA WSL Continental Cup last season, their first ever trophy.
Man City boss Nick Cushing
This season they have endured a sticky start in the League, picking up just four points from their opening four games.
But boss Nick Cushing insists the magic of The Cup could help drive them onto yet more success.
“We don’t want to dwell on last season’s Continental Cup win, we want to build more and this is a great opportunity to get to The FA Women's Cup Final,” he said.
“We gained consistency in the Conti Cup last season and we built up form by taking it each game at a time, and that’s what we’ve done in The FA Cup – it’s a cliché but it’s true.
“Chelsea have invested really well in a mixture of English and foreign talent, and have made a strong start to the season.
“It’s going to be a really tough game because they have built up some momentum and I’m sure they will have a strong crowd out in force.”
