Hartlepool United fans urged to support club’s new ladies team in FA Cup tie

The side, called Hartlepool United Ladies, will compete in this season’s Durham County Women’s League Division Two after linking up with Seaton Carew Ladies to form the new team.

They thrashed Consett AFC Belles 7-0 in their first league game on Sunday, while they will host Redcar Town Ladies at Billingham Town’s Evolution Arena in the FA Cup on Sunday, with free admission.

The team will play their regular league games at Hartlepool Power Station, and is managed by Andy Stuart, who said: “The girls have been so excited since this has become a reality for us, and that’s been reflected in the quality of their performances in training and in matches.

“Our whole aim is to develop our girls into better players, and the support of Hartlepool is going to give us the opportunity to not only do that but hopefully attract more players to the club.”

The team plays five tiers below Women’s Super League Division One, but hopes to move up the pyramid fast.  

Pools chief executive Russ Green said: “We recognise the impact that the recent World Cup has had on women’s football, and when the opportunity arose to host women’s football at the club, we jumped at it.

“They’ve got a big game in the FA Cup at Billingham on Sunday, and I would urge as many Pools fans as possible to get along and support them if they can, because it’s the start of something very exciting.

“The ladies’ football team is the first part of a large-scale project we’re embarking upon to involve all sections of the community in the football club.”