Gareth Taylor’s side take on Durham in the fourth round of the competition, with kick-off for our first game of 2024 scheduled for 12:30 (UK), and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport online and The FA Player.
Skipper Houghton, who was born in the same city as City’s opposition this weekend, is looking forward to making the trip home for our clash with the Championship outfit.
“I’m excited,” exclaimed Houghton.
“Durham is where I’m from, where I was born and I’m really proud of the fact that we have Durham and Sunderland fighting to be in the WSL.
WOMEN’S FA CUP MATCH PREVIEW | DURHAM V CITY
“And Durham have done absolutely amazing to kind of keep pushing to want to be in our league and they’ve got a really good set-up.
“It’s weird because the place they play is where I first started doing my England training programme. I used to go and do my gym at Maiden Castle every week.
“It does bring back good memories and most of all it’s like this is where you’ve come from and going back as a Man City player is going to be special.
“All my family are going to be there, I’ve had so many ticket requests! I think it’s sold out so we will see if we can get them in anyway.”
HOW TO FOLLOW DURHAM V CITY ON THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY APP
Houghton was scouted at the age of nine and learnt the tricks of the trade at Sunderland’s Academy before making her senior debut for the club as a teenager.
The defender has since gone on to become one of the highest capped Barclays Women’s Super League players with the majority of her appearances in blue across her 10-year tenure at the Club.
And the 35-year-old attributed her successful and inspirational career to the mentality the North East gave her.
“My attributes as a player are work as hard as you possibly can, always want to win and keep your feet on the floor because you never know what’s around the corner,” explained Houghton.
And I’d like to think over the last few years of my career it’s been a bit up and down but certainly you appreciate everyday of coming into this building and being part of this team.”
Watch Houghton’s full video interview and preview of City’s FA Cup clash with Durham via the video above.
