Chatham Town Women Create FA Cup History ahead of fifth-round tie against Birmingham City

Photography by Nathan Munday (NWM Productions)

Had you told Chatham at the start of the season that they would reach the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, let alone be drawn against second-tier opposition, few would have been blinked. While there may be a hint of disappointment at missing out on glamour ties against Women’s Super League heavyweights such as Arsenal, Manchester City or Chelsea, Saturday’s clash will still go down as one of the proudest moments in the club’s history.

The Blues, a side with extensive top-flight experience, were relegated from England’s top tier at the end of the 2021/22 campaign but have since established themselves as consistent contenders in the second division. After finishing runners-up in the 2024/25 season, City currently occupy second place once again. With the WSL set to expand from 12 to 14 teams, allowing the top two sides in WSL 2 to be promoted, their return to the topflight looks increasingly likely and will undoubtedly represent the toughest test Chatham, have faced in recent years.

Having already made club history by reaching the fifth-round proper, alongside being the lowest ranked side left in the competition, can Chatham go one step further into the quarterfinals and produce a magical FA Cup moment?

The Road to History

Entering the competition in the third qualifying round, the Chats began their impressive run by defeating Tier 5 outfit Beaconsfield Town before overcoming Tier 3 opponents AFC Wimbledon and Exeter City, both via penalty shootouts, and fellow Tier 4 side York City Ladies in the fourth round.

The odds were firmly stacked against them on most occasions, not least because both two of their previous opponents play in the third tier, while Chatham compete a level below in the fourth.

Against AFC Wimbledon in the first round, an 88th-minute equaliser from substitute Amy Ross forced the tie into extra time. With the scores locked at 3–3 after the additional 30 minutes, Chatham held their nerve to win the shootout 4–2. A similar story unfolded in the second round against another Southern Premier side in Exeter City. The Chats again showed their resilience, finding an equaliser with five minutes remaining to level the tie at 2–2 and force extra time. Once more, penalty heroics proved decisive as the Grecians were left to rue two missed spot-kicks, with Chatham progressing 4–3 on penalties.

Their following third and fourth round ties proved more straightforward, perhaps unexpectedly in the latter. They produced a dominant 3-0 away victory over Sutton United Ladies and that momentum carried into the fourth round against fellow Tier 4 side York City, who had also made history by reaching that stage. Three quickfire first-half goals effectively settled the contest, sealing this weekend’s tie against the Blues.

Players to Watch this Weekend

Chatham have certainly relied on their share of late heroics during this cup run, none more so than the attacking contributions of Ellie Jeffkins and Amy Russ, who have consistently delivered when it has mattered most.

Jeffkins has been particularly prolific. She struck twice against Exeter City, both stunning long-range efforts, added another with a superb direct corner against York City, and also bagged a brace in the victory over AFC Wimbledon. Russ has likewise played her part, finding the net against both Sutton United and AFC Wimbledon to keep the Chats’ momentum rolling.

Amelia Woodgate has also made a telling impact, scoring against Sutton United before netting twice in the win over York City.

Special credit must also go to goalkeeper Simone Eligon, whose string of outstanding saves throughout the competition has been crucial in ensuring the Chats’ historic progression to this stage.

A Season to Remember

Third tier Oxford United are now the only other side from the FA Women’s National League still standing in the competition, underlining just how remarkable Chatham’s run has been.

While the Chats currently sit fourth in Division One South East, it is this season’s FA Cup journey that will live longest in the memory. Yet another away tie awaits, but few supporters will be complaining after witnessing their side’s dazzling composure in the game’s biggest pressure moments.