Paris: "David v Goliath Test"

Margate Ladies Manager Evan Paris says this weekend’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup fixture away at Hastings United is a real “David v Goliath” fixture, however his side will travel to the Pilots Field looking to cause one of the biggest shocks in the early rounds of the competition.

Hastings United, despite only being one division above the ‘Gate are widely expected to once again win promotion and have started their league campaign with consecutive wins 6-0, 7-1, and 12-0. Paris’s side lost their opening game 6-4 to XL on Sunday, however Paris admits anything is possible when it comes to the FA Cup.

“Hastings United are definitely the favourites. They are playing a league above but tearing teams apart in their own league so we know we are underdogs”.

“Having said that the spirit of the girls is not a problem and we will go there and try and cause an almighty upset”.

After the incredible success of the Lionesses this summer winning the European Championships, Paris admits he has seen more “enthusiasm” for the women’s game, especially at Hartsdown Park.

“From the top of the club down there has been even more enthusiasm. It was great to have new players come in on the back of the Lionesses success and it has had a real impact even at our level”.

On his sides opening day defeat, Paris admits that losing key players hasn’t helped his cause, however praised the new debutants that featured in Sunday’s defeat.

“We lost a couple of players in the summer to a league above so you can’t blame them. We had four new debutants play today and another on the bench so we are a new squad and that takes times to gel”.

“But I saw passion and desire out there on Sunday and when you have that you will do better more than you will do worse., We have some long term injuries to come back to so we have plenty to be excited about this season”.

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