The Magic FA Cup Team: Rugby Borough Women FC

Photography by R_bmedia

FA Cup Magic: Rugby Borough Women FC

FA Cup 5th Round Tie

Going into their 5th round tie against WSL side Liverpool FC Women, Rugby Borough Women were undoubtedly the underdogs. Coming in as the lowest ranked team left in the tournament, they knew it would take a lot to progress. Their incredible efforts in this cup match saw them take Liverpool side down to the wire with the away side not scoring until the final 6 minutes of the game. A stoppage time finish from Enderby then doubled their advantage and ensured that Liverpool progressed into the quarter finals.

Despite the disappointment of not progressing into the next round, Rugby Borough can be proud of their performance against a side two tiers above them. Throughout the game, they defended resolutely with goalkeeper Nyla Peterkin making several solid saves to ensure that her team remained in the game. Furthermore, going forward, Rugby managed to put pressure on the Liverpool keeper Rachael Laws, with tricky winger Angelina Nixon being particularly dangerous in Liverpool’s half. Rugby’s number 10 Ebony Wiseman further impressed, both displaying flair by putting some dangerous balls into the box, and intense grit by putting in some crucial defensive challenges.

Despite losing the game, Borough can take the positives from this performance and move these into their league campaign going forward.

Season Ambitions

With 9 league games remaining this season, Rugby Borough currently sit in 5th place in the Northern Premier Division of Tier 3. They have played 13 games and from these, have recorded 8 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. This total is an impressive one, considering that Borough are in their first season in this division, following their lateral movement from the Southern Premier Division prior to the 24/25 campaign.

So far this season, Rugby Borough have recorded some important results including their impressive 1-1 draw against 2nd placed Wolves FC Women. On this occasion, it was a goal from Angelina Nixon who ensured that Borough took home this point. They have also been involved in some high scoring fixtures such as their 10-0 victory against Halifax FC Women in the first game of the season.

Although they were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup, Borough still have a great chance to gain silverware this season as they are currently in the semi-finals of the Birmingham FA County Cup. This season, they are seeking to defend their title with last season’s final culminating in a thrilling 4-4 final which was decided with penalties against Wolves FC Women. Their run to the semi-finals has seen them score over 27 goals and this tie will see them pitted against their Northern Premier Division counterparts Stourbridge FC Women. This thrilling cup tie set to be played on the 16th February is not one to miss!

Players to Watch

Ebony Wiseman has been a crucial player so far for the Borough side with the technically gifted attacking midfielder earning an incredible 6 opposition player of the match awards this season. One of her most impressive moments was doubtless her left footed screamer which was rooted in the top corner against Halifax Women.

Yasmin Mosby’s goal scoring prowess has also impressed with Borough’s no.27 having scored an impressive 14 goals in 18 appearances so far this season. The center forward boasts an excellent career having also played for Nottingham Forest Women FC, Doncaster Rovers Belles as well as playing in America.

Another player to watch is number 22 and center back Georgia Robert whose defensive performances have been crucial to the team this season. Having played already in the championship for teams such as Lewes FC Women and Durham Women FC, she brings a host of experience to this side.

Club as a whole

Rugby Borough Women FC were formerly known as Coventry United Ladies FC, but after their relegation from the Women’s Championship in 2023, the club’s association with Coventry United FC was ended. The club thus relocated to Rugby and became affiliated with Rugby Borough Women FC.

The team is semi-professional but highly ambitious and they hope to gain promotion back into the Women’s Championship where a return to fully professional football would be possible. This club also puts women at the forefront in its leadership with the majority of their committee being made up of women. They play their home fixtures at Kilsby Lane so make sure to get down their and see their distinctive orange shirts in action.

One thing to look out for on Tiktok is Rugby Borough Women FC’s ‘bring an item’ series where players are challenged to bring a random item to their games. This entertaining series has seen players bring the most random objects ranging from straighteners to teddy bears. As we move towards the end of the season, make sure to follow Borough's results on their quest for silverware.