The Adobe Women’s FA Cup returns to Barton on Sunday afternoon as the Hatters host St Albans City (kick-off 2pm).

Luton Town Ladies will look to continue their impressive form and embark on a new FA Cup journey when they take on fellow Eastern Region Women’s Football League side, St Albans City in a third round qualifying tie.

The Hatters will look to build on their hard-fought 1-0 victory last time out against Enfield Town Ladies, likewise for the visitors who were 3-0 victors against Haringey Borough.

The opposition

After narrowly avoiding relegation during the 2023/24 season, St Albans are a rejuvenated team this season under new manager, Matt Pring, winning their first three league fixtures.

In the second round qualifying of the FA Cup, they defeated Biggleswade United 3-0 in the first ever Women’s FA Cup match at Clarence Park.

But St Albans have struggled on the road as of late, losing their previous two away trips, 2-1 to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers and more recently 3-1 to Enfield Town.

Last time out

The last time St Albans came to Barton, the Hatters came out on top in an impressive 4-0 victory.

The game saw Patience Ndlovu score her first goal for Luton Town Ladies after Elly Wade had opened the scoring after 14 minutes after a smart run in-behind the defence. Leyah Maddix doubled the lead from the spot, giving the Hatters a 2-0 lead at the break. An Ndlovu header 15 minutes into the second half gave the Hatters a healthy 3-0 lead and with 15 minutes to play, Gabriela Spillman netted the fourth following a smart turn and finish inside the box.

‘The magic of the cup’

In terms of Adobe Women’s FA Cup stories, our Ladies certainly have one of the best to tell.

Last season’s edition of the cup saw the Hatters reach the fourth round of the FA Cup and face off against WSL side, Brighton. A packed out Sharpenhoe Road saw over 1,500 Hatters fans witness tier 5 Luton take on a team right at the very top of England’s women’s football pyramid.

It is a memory that will live long in the memory of every single Luton Ladies player, taking on the likes of Champions League winner, Vicky Losada and the Lionesses’ Katie Robinson.

Ticket information

Tickets will be available on the door by cash only at Barton. Prices are £5 adults and £1 children.

Preview written by Owen Williams.