As City prepare for our FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday, club captain Steph Houghton has explained how she feels our home advantage could be a huge factor.
City made good use of the CFA setting in the quarter-final, as goals from Georgia Stanway and Janine Beckie helped us beat Liverpool 3-0.
“After all, we’re playing Chelsea again in the semis, although this time, we have the benefit of home advantage.” said Houghton. “That could be pivotal and it’s the responsibility of every single person involved in this club to ensure we make it count.
“I’ve said it many times before: you can’t underestimate the difference the fans can make too. I look back on the games where we’ve had a vocal, passionate following and how it’s spurred us on.”
Whilst the fans will play their part, the skipper understands that City will have to be at the top of their game against a strong semi-final opposition.
“We never underestimate Chelsea.” assured Houghton. “They have so much quality and they showed that in the 2-2 draw here in the league, coming back from 2-0 down. Games against them are always closely-fought, they can go either way and we’ll need all the help we can get to reach the final. We’re all desperate to get there.”
Steph was part of the City squad who won the FA Cup two years ago, and looks back fondly at that day as she prepares to take on the current holders.
“The 2017 FA Cup Final was one of the best days of my life. To play at Wembley is incredible and to have won the FA Cup there, in front of friends and family, with such a fantastic performance was such a special achievement.
“Those memories fuel your drive for more success but we need to get to the Final first!”
City will be looking to create some more momentous occasions for everybody at the club, and the skipper had a special message for those supporting the team this weekend.
“We’ve had some great crowds here over the years and some fantastic memories. We gain the best results when everyone pulls together and as we look to achieve our targets in the coming weeks, we need you more than ever!”
