The Cherries host one of Europe’s top sides at AFC Totton in their first-ever fourth round game in the historic competition, and they’re hoping for a sprinkling of the magic of the cup to spring an upset on their visitors.
The squad were able to see the trophy they will get one step closer to lifting if they do pull off an upset on Sunday when it came to the training ground.
It was kept a surprise from the team until shortly before it arrived, with boss Bleazard trying to keep the team’s focus on training ahead of what is a huge game at the weekend.
The Cherries squad with the trophy (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
“I literally told them about 20 minutes ago because as obviously it’s a lovely occasion to have it, but we still need to have all eyes and all ears on Man City,” she told the Daily Echo.
“So, yeah, it was a nice little surprise for them. They seem very, very happy to get some photos and then ready out to train.”
Bleazard has some history with the cup as a player, having come close to being a part of a winning team on two occasions in consecutive seasons.
The first came as a Bristol Academy player, when they were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the final in 2011.
The second came the following year with her new club Chelsea, as the Blues were on the wrong side of a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw following extra time.
Boss Helen Bleazard with captain Abby Jones. (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
She said this was the biggest occasion of her short coaching career so far: “We’ve just had photos with the FA Cup and all the girls are saying, do you want one?
“And I was like, I’ve walked past it twice as a player, being a runner up.
“We talk about the magic of the FA Cup and whether you’re in the women’s game or the men’s game, you hear about the historic wins that can happen.
“It’s going to be a great weekend. It’s a great game for women’s football. Not only our game, but there’s so many other really, really great games in the FA Cup this weekend.
“So hopefully there’ll be a few upsets!”
Jenna Markham training with the trophy on display (Photo by Michael Steele – The FA/The FA via Getty Images) (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Forward Jenna Markham is excited for the tie and enjoyed seeing the trophy in the flesh.
“I think all the girls are looking forward to it!” she said.
“Obviously, it’s not like an average Sunday.
“It’s a privilege to play against the best women’s team in the country at the moment. And I think we’re all really excited to share a pitch with those players.
“So really excited and it’s nice to have the FA Cup here. The girls are all taking photos, so, yeah, nice event.”