Head of Women’s Football at FGR, Joe Manns, is relishing the opportunity of coaching in the Women’s FA Cup for the first time, as FGR prepare to make the trip to face Bridgwater United in the Third Round Qualifying on Sunday.

Bridgwater are currently one tier above Rovers, in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West. Under their former name, Yeovil Town Ladies, Bridgwater were a Women’s Super League side for two years between 2017-19, and have just been relegated from the third tier of women’s football, the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.

“It’s exciting," Manns said. “We know all about their history, so it’s a game we have been looking forward to, and that we’ve prepared well for.

“The bigger name the better really, and it is great timing for us as well.

“The competition has great prestige, so it’s a privilege to be involved, it would be very exciting if we could get into the first-round proper.”

After a few disappointing results on the road in the league, Manns believes that his side are confident of causing an upset and reaching the first round, stating: “We believe we are capable, you have to be.

“I think it’s the perfect time for this game, we always want to play good and talented opposition, and that’s exactly what we’ve got, a really interesting fixture with a team in the league above. 

"We’re always excited when we play good opposition, and I think it’s probably come at the perfect time just to step away from the league for a week and focus on that.”

“I think we’ll enjoy the feeling of not expecting to win, because that’s been something that’s been difficult to deal with in the last couple of weeks.

“It’s a clean slate, we’ll go and have a go, they’ll be good, and it’ll be a tough game.

“We may have large periods without the ball, but I think we’ve got the resilience and determination to grind out a result.”

The game takes place on Sunday (2pm) at Fairfax Park, TA6 4TZ. Adults costs a fiver, concessions £3, while Under-16s are free!