Maidstone United Faces Plymouth Argyle in Women’s FA Cup Draw

The draw for the first round of the Women’s FA Cup has set the stage for an exciting matchup as Maidstone United prepares to travel to Devon to face Plymouth Argyle. After a decisive 4-2 victory over Badshot Lea in the final qualifying round, Maidstone United will make their way to Plymouth’s 18,000-capacity Home Park on October 26. This marks a historic moment for the club, as it is their first appearance in the first round proper of the competition, although a previous iteration of Maidstone United reached this stage in 1999.

Maidstone’s triumph over Badshot Lea was highlighted by a standout performance from Kylie Manktelow, who scored two goals. Teammates Ellie Hinkley and Georgia Culpitt also contributed to the scoreline, leading the team to victory in front of a record crowd of 235 spectators at the Gallagher Stadium. The match showcased the club’s determination and skill, setting a promising tone for their upcoming challenge against a team competing four levels above them in the women’s football pyramid.

In another notable draw, Chatham will face AFC Wimbledon following a resounding 6-0 victory against Beaconsfield. The match saw Karesha Iton score the opening goal with a header, igniting a second-half scoring spree. Jess King added another goal, while Amelia Woodgate found the net twice. The Woodgate twins, Madison and Amelia, capped off the victory with two additional goals, showcasing Chatham’s offensive prowess. AFC Wimbledon competes at a higher level than Chatham, presenting an intriguing challenge for the team.

Dartford will also look to capitalize on their momentum after upsetting QPR on penalties at Princes Park. The Darts emerged victorious in a tense shootout, winning 4-1 after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Mya Lewis-Powell scored the decisive penalty, while Dartford goalkeeper Jade Charlton made a crucial save against QPR’s first attempt. Dartford will now host Forest Green Rovers, another Step 5 club, in what promises to be an exciting contest.

Each first-round tie carries a prize of £6,000 for the winners, adding an extra layer of motivation for the teams involved. As the competition unfolds, clubs will aim to make their mark on this prestigious tournament and seize the opportunity for advancement in women’s football.