Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner knows their poor run against bogey side Notts County must end if they have are to have any chance of lifting the SSE Women’s FA Cup this season.
The teams were drawn together in the quarter finals after Liverpool overcame local rivals Everton to reach the last eight.
The Reds have struggled against County in recent years – winning just one of their last six meetings – making this a massive test for Bonner and her team-mates, but one she says they are ready for.
Bonner said: “We have played Notts a lot of times and they seem to be a bit of a bogey team for us over the last couple of years.
“We are expecting a tough game. Notts County are a very physical, well-drilled side. We have to make sure we perform well at the weekend.
“We are delighted to get a home draw. We expected no easy tie with all the sides being in FA WSL 1 but we have to match their physicality and we need to do everything right in order to come away with the right result.”
She continued: “In the Cup it is all about results, the performances don’t matter. If you can get in the hat for the next round then that that’s great – you have just got to find a way to win.”
The quarter final ties will be played on Sunday 26 March and each winning club will receive £6,000 from The FA prize fund.
And the draw threw up four cracking ties, with defending FA WSL 1 champions Manchester City set to visit newly-promoted Bristol City.
2015 winners Chelsea host Sunderland, while holders Arsenal face a tricky trip to Birmingham City.
Bonner added: “The SSE Women’s FA Cup is the pinnacle of the game and to have The Final at Wembley is a massive incentive for everyone playing in the quarter final.
“It is every player’s dream to lift the trophy and I think the football is only going to get better because of that.
“Every game is big and Birmingham v Arsenal is massive. They certainly will not want to give up their trophy easily.
“They sent out a statement with their win against Spurs, they will be flying high and will be tough to stop.”
Tickets for The Final are already on sale and thanks to The FA’s partnership with SSE, children can attend for free.
Adult tickets are priced £15 and group booking and Charter Standard discounts apply.
Tickets can be bought via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0844 826 2010.
