Wasps aim to test Arsenal in historic FA Cup showdown

Crawley Wasps captain Naomi Cole has vowed to make the professionals of Arsenal feel as ‘uncomfortable as possible’ ahead of Sunday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup fourth-round showdown.
With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Thomas Bennett, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1901747 SUS-190125-160533001With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Thomas Bennett, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1901747 SUS-190125-160533001
With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Thomas Bennett, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1901747 SUS-190125-160533001

Around 1,000 fans are expected to pack in to Oakwood’s Tinsley Lane ground as Wasps – top of women’s football’s fourth tier – take on the 14-times cup winners and Women’s Super League giants.

And Cole, who came through Arsenal’s youth ranks before going on to play for Chelsea, Millwall and England under-23s, says her team will not be overawed.

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“We’ve got no expectations on us,” she said. “It’s an absolute bonus if we can put in a fantastic performance and push Arsenal.

With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Ardingly College. Pic Steve Robards SR1901738 SUS-190125-160522001With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Ardingly College. Pic Steve Robards SR1901738 SUS-190125-160522001
With Crawley Wasps facing Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on February 3rd, The cup made a personal appearance at Ardingly College. Pic Steve Robards SR1901738 SUS-190125-160522001

“They’ll play their brand of football, it’s down to us to try and break that up.

“Bringing them to Oakwood is going to be a test for them, which will be great for us.

“We’re going to make it as uncomfortable as possible.”

Cole insists whatever side Arsenal select, they will provide a tough challenge and great entertainment for the fans.

Crawley Wasps Ladies (4) vs Leyton Orient WFC (1) on January 27, 2019 at Oakwood Football Club, Tinsley Lane, Crawley RH10 8AT, Crawley. Photo: Ben Davidson, www.bendavidsonphotography.com - 1901270655 SUS-190129-104335002Crawley Wasps Ladies (4) vs Leyton Orient WFC (1) on January 27, 2019 at Oakwood Football Club, Tinsley Lane, Crawley RH10 8AT, Crawley. Photo: Ben Davidson, www.bendavidsonphotography.com - 1901270655 SUS-190129-104335002
Crawley Wasps Ladies (4) vs Leyton Orient WFC (1) on January 27, 2019 at Oakwood Football Club, Tinsley Lane, Crawley RH10 8AT, Crawley. Photo: Ben Davidson, www.bendavidsonphotography.com - 1901270655 SUS-190129-104335002
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She said: “No matter who they put out, they’ll be quality players.

“We’re going to enjoy the occasion, hopefully get a lot of people through the door and make Crawley proud.

“We want to build a foundation at this club.

“This environment is fantastic. Everyone’s like a family here and we want to bring that culture to the fans and make them feel like they’re welcome here.”

Manager Paul Walker added: “It’s the biggest day in the club’s history, it’s probably the biggest day in women’s football in Crawley.

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“The most important thing to us is not making loads of money, it’s about putting on a super event.

“It’s David and Goliath. We want the locals to get behind us and be our 12th man.”

Kick-off is at 3pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and £1 for 16 and unders, and should be bought in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Visit www.crawleywasps.com and click on the tickets graphic.

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Watch a Crawley Wasps FA Cup tour video on www.crawleyobserver.co.uk and click on sport.

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