Rebecca Spencer, a seasoned player with six Women’s FA Cup victories under her belt, is excited about the possibility of a new team winning the competition after more than a decade of domination by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. These three teams have won every edition of the FA Cup since 2012, leaving no room for other clubs to claim domestic titles in England since 2014. Spencer has participated in an astonishing nine previous finals and will take part in her tenth FA Cup final this Saturday, representing various teams throughout her career.
The experienced goalkeeper reflects on her early days when she was part of Arsenal as a youngster, happy just to be present at Cup finals. Despite not playing much during those high-pressure matches, Spencer believes these experiences have contributed to her growth and development as a player. Her standout moment came in 2012 when she played a significant role in Birmingham City’s victory over Chelsea in the final. Spencer views this milestone as a stepping stone in her career and credits it for leading her to where she is today.
Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur, their star player Grace Clinton will not be able to take part in the FA Cup final due to ineligibility as she is on loan from Manchester United, who are the opponents in the upcoming match. Spencer empathizes with Clinton’s situation, having experienced a similar disappointment herself when she missed out on playing at Wembley in previous Cup finals as an unused substitute. Despite this setback, Spencer encourages Clinton, emphasizing that she has a long career ahead of her and more opportunities to play in future Cup finals.
Spencer’s journey to the upcoming FA Cup final has not been without challenges. After losing her starting spot to Czech goalkeeper Bará Votíková, Spencer found herself on the bench for several games. However, she reclaimed the number one position with an outstanding performance in the FA Cup quarter-final, where she saved two penalties against league leaders Manchester City. Spencer candidly admits that her performance in a previous match led to her being benched, showcasing her humility and dedication to the team’s success.
Spencer emphasizes the importance of unity and trust within the team, highlighting the togetherness and support among players, regardless of their roles. She acknowledges the competitive nature of the women’s game in England and the significance of having different teams in the FA Cup final. With Manchester United facing Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming final, Spencer believes it represents the growth and competitiveness of women’s football in the country. She expresses her joy at the prospect of a new winner and the end of a streak where only three teams dominated the domestic competition.
As the women’s FA Cup final approaches, Spencer looks forward to the possibility of witnessing the 18th different team win the prestigious tournament. She believes that this outcome will mark a significant shift in the women’s game, showcasing the increased depth and competitiveness in English women’s football. Spencer views the current season as a testament to the growth and evolution of the league, emphasizing the importance of having diverse finalists and showcasing the talent and progress of teams beyond the traditional powerhouses.
