FAYE Boshell is hoping to clinch her first West Riding County Cup from the dugout tonight as Bradford City Women target a fifth successive title.
Boshell has featured in all four of City’s previous successes, but this evening’s clash with bitter rivals Guiseley Vixens at Woodlesford will be her first in a coaching role.
However, she is excited by the prospect of what is a totally different challenge of leading her team to success.
“Being in the dugout and not on the pitch will definitely be hard,” she said.
“I’ve found out this season that I’m much more nervous in the dugout than I am on the pitch, but I will be kicking every ball with the team.
“I really do believe in this group of girls and I know that they will give everything they have until that final whistle is blown.”
It’s the first time that Bradford will face Guiseley in the final, with the two usually meeting at an earlier stage in the competition.
Bradford defeated Farsley Celtic 2-0 in the previous round, with goals from Abi Lee and Laura Elford seeing off the fifth-tier outfit who were beaten by a much heavier scoreline by the Bantams in the 2015 final.
Guiseley, meanwhile, beat Leeds United’s reserves in the last four, whose first team suffered a shock quarter-final exit at the hands of Farsley.
Despite this being the first meeting between the two at this stage, and Guiseley’s first appearance in the final since a 2-0 defeat to Leeds seven years ago, Boshell is not expecting it to be much different than if it was against another opposition.
“We have come up against some very good teams in previous finals and Guiseley are going to be no exception,” she said.
“The game will be a battle as it always is when we play, especially on these occasions, but it will be one the girls are prepared and up for.”
What’s at stake is enough motivation for both sides, but they will be even more geared up given their results at the weekend.
The Vixens fell to the foot of the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division table after losing to Wolves, while City themselves suffered a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest.
“The weekend was disappointing for us because we deserved more out of the game and played some good football,” said Boshell.
“But that result will only drive us on to put things right tonight.”
Kick-off is 7.30pm at West Riding HQ on Fleet Lane, LS26 8NX.
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