English Football Association has announced that the Women’s FA Cup will resume in late March.
The competition was postponed at the Second Round stage when the UK was plunged into a third lockdown in January as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, although there is still one First Round tie still to be completed.
That tie will be played on Wednesday 31 March with the winner advancing to the Second Round which takes place on Sunday 4 April, of which the 18 winners will advance to the Third Round which is scheduled for Sunday 11 April of which the draws for Third and Fourth Rounds have been made now.
Nine winners from the Third Round will then advance to the Fourth Round, where the Women’s Super League and Championship teams will enter the competition, including twice defending champions – Manchester City who defeated Everton after extra-time in November’s rearranged 2019-20 Final.
Immediate highlights from the Fourth Round draw sees Manchester City host Aston Villa and Reading meet Tottenham in all WSL encounters, whilst Everton take on Durham of the Women’s Championship.
Current WSL leaders, Chelsea face a cross-London derby as they host London City Lionesses at Kingsmeadow.
Casey Stoney’s Manchester United face a potential North-West derby away to Burnley should the Clarets advance, otherwise a trip to Sunderland await the Red Devils.
All Fourth Round ties will be held on Sunday 18 April although dates of when each tie take place can be changed across Second, Third and Fourth Rounds subject to agreement between clubs and FA.
The FA wished to place on record their acknowledgment of FIFA’s support in ensuring the continuation of this season’s tournament, although discussions are ongoing in regards to when the Fifth Round will be held towards the end of this season.
Like last season, the Quarters, Semis and Grand Final will be held over and completed during the start of next season.
For full details on all four draws, please click HERE.
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