Not only could a cup run add welcome extra games, but if Teddington get through to later rounds they will face higher-division opposition, which will be a useful gauge of just how good this team is.
Indeed, with the cup draws for subsequent rounds having already been made, it's possible to plot a course through the opposition – and divisions. If Teddington are sufficiently focused and beat Caterham again, three weeks after a tidy 9-1 win against the same opposition in the league, they would find themselves in a quarter-final against Molesey Juniors or Carshalton Athletic, currently right in the thick of a very tight Division One.
Should they get through that game, Teddington would face a February semi-final; that could be against Kempton Girls, who have already beaten Division One side Ascot United, but could also be against Premier Division sides Colne Valley (not the Blues, but their first team) or AFC Wimbledon, who currently top the entire league.
All that is a long way ahead. First, the Division Two leaders must overcome a determined Caterham Pumas, who have only lost once all season - at Teddington - and didn't like it at all.
With that Teddington defeat sandwiched between two walkover wins in unfulfilled fixtures, the Pumas have only played once in a month and will be hungry to take down the Stags. They've already beaten higher-division opposition in Crystal Palace Blues on a penalty shootout, showing a combination of ability and fearlessness that Teddington will do well to beware. If Athletic want a memorable cup run, they need to remember to beat the first opponents.
I feel quite nervous after reading that! Roll on Sunday
ReplyDeleteBrilliant win girls! Well Done...You had us worried for a while, but it was the convincing win we are used to in the end!
ReplyDelete