Leeds United Women begin their FA Cup campaign this weekend with a test against fifth-tier side Mancunian Unity.
Simon Wood’s side head into the clash in fine form, having won their last three matches in the FA WNL Division One North, including a 3-2 victory over Cheadle Town last time out.
Speaking before the fixture in Oldham, captain Olivia Smart is pleased with the progress her side have shown in recent weeks.
“Three league wins on the bounce gives us some momentum,” the defender explained.
“We are riding the storm a bit with some injuries at the minute, but that winning feeling, when you get that in the dressing room, it is hard to get that out of you. We need that for the rest of the season.
“Cheadle are a solid team that are well prepared and well organised. They have won a lot of games previous to playing us, but our strengths showed.
“Like I said, it is a difficult period for us. We are riding the storm a bit with some injuries, but we showed a bit of character.
“We need to have that attitude towards every game because this league is difficult, but that winning mentality is a good thing. So, I think as long as we keep that, that will be good.”
The prestigious competition is something Leeds have enjoyed success in in recent years, notably facing Arsenal two seasons ago.
“For me, the FA Cup is the best competition to play in,” Smart added. “Growing up watching football, the FA Cup was the competition to watch, particularly in men’s football, but now in women’s as well.
“I think it gives any team in women’s football a chance, as it does in men’s. The underdogs are loved by the fans.
“It is a competition to gain some momentum playing teams that you wouldn’t normally play, especially week in week out. We have obviously experienced playing Arsenal away and, despite the scoreline, that was an experience for us as a team.
“We need to be ferocious to play a team like that, but also not take our foot off the gas. We have got some momentum in the league, so we need to keep that.
“It is important to keep that outside of the league as well to give us some confidence. We will be up for it. The FA Cup sparks some random results, but hopefully not this weekend.”
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