FA WNL Cup Final: Anita Asante previews blockbuster Nottingham Forest vs Stoke City clash | OneFootball

Anita Asante spoke with Her Football Hub about the importance of the FA Women’s National League (FA WNL) Cup ahead of this year’s final. This weekend, Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Stoke City will go head-to-head at Bescot Stadium on March 22nd.

Ahead of the clash, former Lioness and Arsenal legend Asante shared her thoughts on the significance of the competition.

Both teams have had unique journeys to the final, setting up an all-FA Women’s Premier Division North League clash. Forest, crowned 2022/23 champions, secured a late win against reigning champions Hashtag United. Meanwhile, Stoke City, who were very unlucky to have their previous final in this cup cancelled due to COVID-19, were comfortable 3-0 winners at Plymouth Argyle.

Anita Asante on the importance of winning a Cup final

Previous Cup winner Asante shared her thoughts on this exciting occasion. Sitting down with HFH, the Arsenal and Chelsea icon said it can bond a team and staff, and from her experience, it gave her side a platform to kick on.

“Having won this cup with Arsenal back in 2005 and 2007, every cup final you reach is a special one because it’s a journey that you embark on with your team-mates and coaches.

“We wanted to reach every final we could get to. The League Cup was no different. I think for us it was special playing at these bigger stadiums as well was what made the occasion. It made it feel different to just playing your normal domestic games.”

With both teams making the final on the back of great league campaigns, Asante confirmed: “It could act as an impetus or another catalyst for going towards that next big goal, which is to try to win the league.”

FA WNL Cup contenders in a promotion race

We are in for a thrilling FA WNL Cup Final, as both teams are flying high and pushing for promotion from their league, the FA Women’s Premier Division North. Nottingham Forest are leading the table by two points, with one game in hand over nearest rivals Wolverhampton and two games in hand over fellow Cup Finalists Stoke City. Both teams will bring quality on the day. Forest have only conceded five goals all season, so it will be necessary for Stoke to take their chances if they are to feel the joy of Cup success.

Asante explained who she’s looking forward to watching on the day: “I’ve watched Charlie Wellings a lot over the years, I’m really excited to see her play. To be honest, I’m excited to watch both managers because I look through that lens more now that I’m coaching. They would probably dream of this as one of the biggest moments of their managerial careers and I’m excited to see how they approach the game because obviously they’ve contended a lot in the league as well.”

Teams capitalising on the opportunity

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After a blistering season and financial backing for both teams, Asante is hoping Stoke City manager Marie Hourihan can lean on their supposed underdog status to rally her team.

When asked if she thought the managers would do anything different for this exciting cup match, Asante said: “Well, you might say Forest have a bit more pressure on their shoulders, leading the charge at the Northern Division. Hopefully, Stoke will be really attacking and upset Forest’s rhythm. It should be a highly competitive match and a close contest.”

Stoke will be looking to find the balance between taking the game to Forest and defending their own goal. Both sides have been scoring well in the league with Forest on 58 goals, and Stoke one behind on 57.

“Yes, you’ve got to get the balance right. But for the players, it’s also a one-off occasion, an opportunity to let the shackles off a bit and really go out with intensity.”

A venue fit for a Cup Final Midlands Derby

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The 11,300 capacity Bescot Stadium is hosting the match on March 22nd, home to Women’s Super League side Aston Villa. It’s sure to help create an amazing atmosphere for this Midlands Derby. Forest play their league matches at the impressive 30,000+ City Ground, but the Potters have taken to the field in a much smaller stadium at Wellbeing Park.

“The atmosphere, the energy that you get from the supporters could really lift them,” Asante said. “But ultimately, you don’t want to get swallowed in that atmosphere either if you’re not used to it. As any other football match, embrace the crowd, try to entertain and show that little bit of magic. You could use the energy, make a tackle, and the crowd gets lifted; the noise goes up. That gives extra energy and invigorates to the team.”

You can click here to buy your tickets for what is sure to be a thrilling FA Women’s National League Cup match.

Beyond the FA WNL Cup Final

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Nottingham Forest and Stoke City will be hoping this is the start of their success this season. But there will only be one winner on the day, and the other will have to dust themselves off to continue with league matches and fight for the title.

Forest will take on Hull City as Stoke face Rugby Borough. Both matches will kick off simultaneously on March 30, 2025.

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