Following the game, we caught up with Mark Rozzier to get his thoughts on the game, the experience the ladies team went through in the competition, what the future holds for the team and the ladies section at Woodley United.

Mark, great to get the opportunity to speak with you, give us your thoughts on today’s game and the journey the team have had in the FA Cup?

An interesting game that saw Woodley’s players showing skill that matched AFC Wimbledon’s but in terms of physical strength, fitness, clinical finishing, speed of moving the ball and awareness the Don’s demonstrated why they are doing so well in FA Women’s Premier League. It was pleasing to see Woodley compete when heads could have dropped and the last twenty minutes of the first half saw Rosie hit the post, May have a shot tipped over the cross bar for a corner and two other headers go straight to the home keeper.

The journey has been a roller coaster with the disappointment of a poor defeat on the opening game of the season in the first qualifying round, the elation of reinstatement, the joy of May’s late winner in the second qualifying round and the excellent press coverage leading up to the AFC Wimbledon tie.

Another journey was the trip home from AFC Wimbledon but what goes on the minibus stays on the minibus!

You more often sit in the background, and see it from an outsider’s perspective, what would you say about the team this far?
A tremendous team spirit exists with this year’s new players joining in well and have contributed to raising the team’s ability and performances. In addition the likes of May and Dee have improved considerably after their debut seasons last year following the transition from youth to adult football. Given the changes made in players following the loss of several in the close season the way the team has gelled is impressive. Additionally the established players such as Ellen, Rosie, Nicole and Mollie are having a positive and influential effect on those around them.

More often we are seeing the ladies team present on social media and local news, how important is that for the club and the team itself?
Very important in raising the profile and awareness of the team and women’s football in general. Football in Bracknell and Wokingham Paper are to be congratulated on the level of coverage they give to the club and our ladies team in particular while the quality of tweets the team produce are eye catching.

Huge club, 30+ teams in the club, and a lot of time devoted to all senior teams in the club, how do you go around prioritising and ensuring everyone is treated equally?
By talking to each of management teams of the senior sides and ensuring that they are listened to while understanding each has an important role to play in the club and that the team and players are valued.

What would be a good year for the club, and more particularly for the ladies team?
A good year for the club will be one of continuing to make progress against the five year plan that was published three years ago when Woodley United was formed and seeing more girls join the youth section. For the ladies team promotion would be brilliant together with a good cup run plus the continual improvement in players. Given the young age of the team with most players twenty one or younger the potential exists to continue to improve.