‘Wimbledon is like a sibling’ – Chelsea boss Hayes looks ahead to first visit to new Plough Lane | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that she is excited to be making her first visit to AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium this evening when The Blues take on Manchester City in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup final.

Just five-and-a-half miles separate Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow Stadium and the home of AFC Wimbledon. Despite the closeness of the two venues, Blues boss Hayes is yet to visit the new home of The Dons.

When speaking to FAWSL Full-Time ahead of this evening’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup final, Hayes acknowledged Wimbledon’s rich cup history whilst also commenting that this will be her first visit to The Cherry Red Records Stadium

“I remember going to Plough Lane as a child standing on the slopy end,” Hayes said. “Of course, we can never forget that FA Cup success and that spirit and determination. They made an opponent suffer, they really did, it was an unbelievable group of players.

“Being in this relatively local community, Wimbledon is like a sibling so we are happy to be playing in their stadium. I know that they have worked so hard to go to an amazing home and I am really looking forward to going there. Everybody tells me that it is a really lovely place and I haven’t visited them yet. I’m looking forward to seeing how that club re-built itself.”

Four of the last five FA Women’s Continental League Cup finals have either gone to extra-time, penalties or have been won by the odd goal. This is very different to the Vitality Women’s FA Cup where four of the last five finals have been won by a two-goal margin or more within the 90 minutes.

Hayes went on to say that there is a smaller element of pressure going into an FA Women’s Continental League Cup final but this evening’s particular game is unique given the fact that it is Chelsea’s first final appearance against Manchester City.

She said “I think there is a greater pressure with the FA Cup, maybe sometimes that weighs heavier on an opponent but we’ve never played City in a final so I think for that reason, there’s going to be a real intrigue internally for both teams.

“It is a one-off and we have had epic cup games over the years. To play in a final is what both teams really wanted, we both wanted to face each other in a final and we got our wish.”

The 2021/2022 FA Women’s Continental League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City kicks-off at 5.15pm.