Worcester City may begin their FA Cup campaign next week -- but it all starts this weekend for the club's ladies' team.

City take on Mansfield Town in the first round of the AXA FA Women's Cup at St George's Lane on Sunday, kick-off 2pm.

They lost at the same stage last season 7-3 to Devon side Elmore Eagles -- but are confident of going at least one better this time.

Team secretary Chris Croot said: ''We have a new set-up and a new young team coming through -- I reckon it will be quite a good game.

''Mansfield are doing quite well in their league at the moment but we are confident.''

City have lost their first two games of the season in the new revamped West Midlands Regional League Premier Division, where their opponents include Hereford United.

But they feel the switch to St George's Lane for this tie will help them -- they normally play home matches at King George V Playing Fields, Droitwich. ''We are used to the big open pitches so hopefully this will help,'' said Croot.

Much is expected of star right-winger Gemma Foley, who recently spent a week training with the England U16 squad at Loughborough.

Croot added: ''She is very good and is quite fast. When I spoke to her she said the England team haven't got any games fixed up but they are starting a Centre of Excellence, so she is likely to be invited along to that.''

Abilities

New players of all abilities will be welcomed by the side. Croot added: ''Obviously the better they are the better it is going to be, but we don't turn anyone away.''

Anyone interested should go along to training nights, on Wednesdays at Droitwich High School at 7.30pm.

They can also contact Chris on 0121-684 4872 or Worcester City Football Club direct on 01905-23003.

George Rooney's men are back in home Dr Martens League Premier Division action on Saturday when they take on lowly King's Lynn. They will be looking to build on last Monday's performance when they took a point at Atherstone.

The Central Conference side have a home local derby against Kidderminster Harriers tonight (7.30).

Wednesday, September 23, 1998.