After their Women’s FA Cup heroics on Sunday, Chatham Town Women return to domestic action this evening when they continue the defence of their Kent Women’s Senior Cup as they welcome Aylesford Women to Medway and for boss Keith Boanas it’s been a busy week… 

After his side’s FA Cup win over York City set up a last sixteen tie away to Birmingham City, the manager admitted, “You are never going to take the moment away from any of the girls.”

“You look back on all the footage and some of the girls are still in disbelief – it’s kind of a dream come true to a certain percent. The people and the atmosphere at the Bauvill was surreal and for our players, some of whom have never witnessed an atmosphere like that, it’s something that will last a lifetime for them.” 

“Wednesday night is now the next task and the Kent Cup with Aylesford. We had a light session Tuesday night and had a look at the squad we’ll put out before we host London Bees on Sunday which is a massive League game for us as we know that we cannot afford to drop any more League points, and on paper, as far as results go, it’s a bigger game for us than last Sunday and is certainly something that we want to get out of!” 

Monday’s draw for round five saw the Chats miss out on a WSL club but be drawn away to Birmingham City, currently second in the WSL2 following their relegation from the WSL last season. 

“Birmingham is still a big game for us,” Boanas said, “Just not the ones that we would have wanted and we obviously would have preferred a home draw, or perhaps one of the bigger guns – one that a lot of us support; don’t think that there are too many Blues supporters around Chatham though,” Boanas added smiling ruefully. 

“I am familiar with some of the people at Birmingham; my wife (keeper Pauline Cope) played under Hope Powell for England and Hope is heavily involved up there as CEO or General Manager, and I know Amy Merricks, who also played for Gillingham Ladies and also played for and was assistant to Hope at Brighton, so it is an interesting draw for us.” 

“Hope is one of the biggest names in international football after the legacy she left from being in charge of the England team for thirteen years, and that is not to be sniffed at.”

“I have met her many times and even when I was managing in Estonia she came out as a UEFA observer, and I was her chauffeur driving her around. My wife and her still speak, and I believe Hope may still be based in the Southeast and travels up and down.” 

“The tie really is an interesting one and not one that scares me interestingly enough.” 

On the back of Sunday’s win, Chatham Chairman Kevin Hake announced on Wednesday that for the rest of the season, under 16s will be admitted free to all home games at the Bauvill – the Chairman said, “Following Sunday’s incredible show of support — particularly from Under 16s across Medway and Kent — we are delighted to announce that all Under 16s will be able to attend every Chatham Town Women’s First Team home fixture for the remainder of the season completely free of charge.”  

“The atmosphere created by our young supporters was fantastic and perfectly reflected what this club stands for,” the Chairman went on.  

“We strongly believe that giving young players the opportunity to watch live football at close quarters allows them to see what is possible, to feel part of the game, and to begin shaping their own hopes and aspirations within it.”

“Chatham Town Women is proud to invest in the next generation and to ensure our club continues to inspire, include and support young people across our community.”