Gareth Taylor’s side lock horns with fierce rivals Chelsea in an evening kick-off at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane, as the two sides meet for the first time in a Cup Final.
With the Londoners having edged recent encounters, many believe Emma Hayes’ side to head into the contest as favourites but Hemp asserts her side have nothing to be afraid of and must believe in their own quality.
“We’re all so excited,” she told mancity.com. “Of course, these are the games you want to play in.
“We’ve played Chelsea a lot this season and it was only a matter of time before we got them in a Cup Final, as we play them so regularly.
“We know enough about them – the amount of talented players they have in their squad and what they’re capable of – but we have exactly the same. We also have many talented players who have experienced so much in their careers.
“Some would say we are the underdogs. Everyone has had their opinion of us this season and although we definitely didn’t start as we wanted to, we’ve improved and since the turn of the year, we’ve been picking up results, showing what we’re capable of if we play at our best.
“Yes, we’ve lost against them this season but it’s important to go into the Final not being scared and concentrating on doing what we can to get that win.
“To win a Cup Final takes everyone – the team members, the staff and even people who aren’t playing.
“It starts from the training ground, making sure we put in 100% every day. Everyone comes to training looking forward to it and we’re all working hard to get even better.
“We have a great coach and a great team so it’s about making sure we’re at our strongest come the day.
“We have enough to beat them and it’s just a case of turning up on the day and doing that job.”
The Conti Cup will always hold a special place in the heart of the Club, as the first piece of silverware we secured as a professional outfit – and it was also the first trophy Hemp won in sky blue.
A penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane marked her first success in February 2019 with Karen Bardsley saving two efforts after the two sides had played out a goalless draw in extra-time.
Although Hemp saw a spot-kick saved, she believes she learned a lot from the experience and would love nothing more than to lift the coveted cup once more.
“That was my first trophy with City – the 2019 Conti Cup. I missed a penalty but I had to make it exciting!” she joked.
“On a serious note, a lot has changed since then. That was my first year at City and I’ve grown as a player and a person.
“It would mean a lot to win it again. Being here at City, I’ve picked up trophies and the Conti Cup is a special one.
“It would be great to do it again – that’s why we’re here at this Club: to win trophies, and it would be a huge honour.
“I’m really looking forward to getting the next piece of silverware for this Club, which will hopefully be the catalyst for more trophies.”
