In their first home fixture of 2026, Chatham Town Women play the Club’s biggest ever match this weekend with manager Keith Boanas looking forward to what could be history being made.

For the first time ever, the Chats Women’s side play in the last thirty-two of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup when they entertain York City Ladies on Sunday lunchtime at the Bauvill, with the winners guaranteed to be the lowest ranked side left in the Fifth Round.  

KSN went to training this week and spoke to boss Keith Boanas and despite the fact the manager has got to the Final previously and won the competition, he admitted that he can’t wait for Sunday as he told us, “We can’t wait – what a game to be our first home fixture of the year as well as our first home tie in the Cup after four away games.”  

The Chats have got this far by going on the road to beat Beaconsfield Town, AFC Wimbledon (on penalties), Exeter City (also on penalties) before winning at Sutton United in Round Three to set up Sunday’s tie against the Minster Maids from York.  

Reflecting on how the Women’s FA Cup ranks in the game, the Chats boss said, “As with the men’s game, the WFA Cup has a special aura about it!”

“Back in the day when I was fortunate enough to reach the final 4 times including winning it in 2005, it was the absolute pinnacle of the women’s game as it was the only one guaranteed to be live on TV and give the players that moment of fame.”  

“It’s a far cry from current times with the WSL games regularly televised and earlier round Ties from this competition also aired live as well as League cup and Champions league, with the game going professional and the financial implications and incentives increasing accordingly.”

“I have done a few other interviews this week where I quoted the fact that when winning it in 2005 with Charlton Athletic beating Everton at West Ham United’s Upton Park Boleyn ground by a single second half goal from Eniola Aluko live on the BBC the prize money was £5000… total!”  

“Forward to this year, and even at this stage we are talking ten to twenty times that amount which is amazing ,but also for me a little surreal.”

“Who knows what’s possible in the future with the growth of the game!”

The winner of Sunday’s tie alone will receive in excess of £50,000 which would effectively double what both sides have won so far.  

Boanas went on, “I am extremely proud of our players, staff and volunteers; no matter what the result is on Sunday it will give our Chairman / Owner Kevin Hake and the club some reward for the commitment and genuine support to the women’s game here at Chatham.”

“For the faithful supporters who have stuck with us and followed us near and far – even to Exeter – thank you so much and hopefully days like Sunday will only help grow our fanbase as hopefully there will be some or many who will be at a game for the first time, and hopefully they will return for some of our remaining League fixtures.” 

“For both teams this is at this moment in time by far the biggest game of the season with what’s at stake, not just the prize money, but the opportunity to create even more history by making the last 16 and almost definitely facing a WSL or Championship club.”

“They play in the same tier as us in the Northern section and have had a tough season in the league with the respite and highlight being their FA cup run. So, we are expecting a real battle with no quarter given!”  

“A win this weekend would embed this group as legacy builders here at Chatham, but either way we can be so proud having reached this stage winning four away fixtures including two higher division sides.”

“This is a special club run by special people and special fans, we need you with us on Sunday more than ever!”