Reading may be the only club left flying the flag for the second tier but Kylie Davies insists they can cause an upset in their FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup quarter-final against Notts County on Sunday.
After a gruelling group stage, only eight sides remain on track for glory and seven of them are plying their trade in WSL 1.
Yet the Royals, flying high in WSL 2, fancy their chances of going all the way having already faced the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea In Group One this term.
And defender Davies is determined not to see their efforts so far go to waste.
Notts County v Reading
The FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup
Quarter-final
2pm, Sunday 13 September
Meadow Lane Stadium
“We have worked really hard to get in the quarter-final,” said the 27-year-old. “We had close games against Arsenal and Chelsea and we are confident with the draw we have got that we have a chance to go through.
“We are pushing for promotion, so it is nice to see where we stand in those terms and the areas in which we need to improve upon.
“We are a confident team in the way that we train and play each week, so I don’t think there was ever any doubt we couldn’t cope against those teams.
“Notts County have got lots of pace up front and some skilful players, but we feel as though we have got a great opportunity to progress to the next round. We believe we can get to the final, but we need to keep improving and retain that belief.”
Notts County will also believe they can make the final, which is to be played at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium on Saturday November 1, having topped Group Three with a 100 per cent record.
Yet they also have memories of losing the SSE Women’s FA Cup final fresh in their minds, and County keeper Carly Telford is keen to make amends.
“We did really well to reach the FA Cup final, which didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” said Telford.
“Hopefully we can make it all the way as getting to the Continental Tyres Cup final would be amazing for us as well.
“We know how good Reading are. They are going into this game with nothing to lose.
“It is really important we do not take them lightly. They will maybe try and play the game tight at the back. I think that is what their tactics will be.
“The Continental Tyres Cup has come at a really good time for us and it is good we have got our confidence back. It has come as a blessing as we have scored lots of goals and we are back to playing really good football.
“We have had a few losses in the season but now we can kick on. If we stick to what we do best, then hopefully we can win the tie.”
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