Women's team to debut in FA Cup first round

Thornaby FC face Liverpool Feds in Middlesbrough

A women's football team, which faced being axed earlier this year, has made it to the first round of the FA Cup for the first time.

Thornaby FC announced in June it had voted to drop its female teams following a "difficult year". But the decision was quickly reversed following a backlash, including England player Beth Mead.

The team will play Liverpool Feds, who are three divisions above Thornaby FC, at 14:00 GMT at Teesside Park in Middlesbrough.

Director of football Andy Campbell said: "This is only the beginning".

The team made it through three qualifying rounds to reach the first round of the tournament.

"It's a real achievement for a club the size of ours," said Mr Campbell.

"Five months ago, we didn't have a women's football team, now we're in the first round of the FA Cup."

He said the turnaround had required a lot of "hard work" and "sleepless nights".

Thornaby FC women's co-manager Abbey Lyle said: "It is unbelievable for the area to welcome a game like this to Thornaby. It is amazing for the town.

"This gives us a chance to show where we are at."

Mr Campbell said reaching the first round of the tournament had given the club a financial boost.

"We want to try and get as many people to the ground as possible," he said.

"We've got some really talented footballers in our area - we want to try and inspire as many young girls [as we can]."