Taylor keen to avoid cup shock against Blades

CITY boss Gareth Taylor will not be underestimating his side’s lower league opposition in today’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup fourth round clash.

The Blues welcome second-tier opponents Sheffield United to the Academy Stadium this afternoon, but despite City winning the trophy three times, Taylor is not taking anything for granted.

He said: “With some of the teams you play, there’s not a huge amount of difference in level between the kind of top end of the championship to the bottom end of the WSL.

“I think it’s just making sure that as a team, we are prepared, we’re focused.

“We’re not being neglectful of the opposition.

“I think they will try to make it really difficult for us in our build-up play by being pushed into a formation which is going to make it difficult to play in between the lines.

“If it’s difficult to play in between the spaces then this potential in the space in behind.

“Can we try and commit and drag players out a little bit more?

“But I expect the team to be really hard working and really committed in the challenges, frustrate and try to make it as difficult as possible for us.

“There’s quite a final feeling about FA Cup games or League Cup games but I think in terms of the level of opponent that you face, there’s always a respect from us, making sure that we’re really diligent and are exploring the opponent to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.”

Esme Morgan picked up a niggle against Aston Villa last week and Demi Stokes is still pending a return, both are unlikely to feature today.