Filton fliers aim even higher

Thursday March 18, 2004

High-flying women footballers from Filton College are facing a challenging finale of their best season yet in which they can clinch two cup-final places.

The Bristol Academy of Sport's female football academy players claim a tremendous 100 per cent record so far this season but they now face two big challenges - one in the formidable shape of premiership women's side Bristol Rovers in the semis of the Gloucestershire FA Cup.

"We shouldn't stand a chance against a Premier League side," cheerfully admits female football director Stuart Evans.

"But this is a great chance for the girls to play against the highest standard in the country and get to know the level they need to reach to make it all the way in the game."

The Filton girls are also up against top college side West Suffolk in the semi-final of the British Colleges Cup - the team who beat Filton at the same stage in 2002.

"The draw for these games has been kind because we're at home in both, but they are both very difficult and will be a real test for the Filton girls," adds Stuart.

Their first challenge comes this Sunday when they meet Bristol Rovers (AXA Sun Life sports ground, Filton, 1:45pm) and the clash with West Suffolk kicks off there on March 31 at 2pm.

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