THE GAFFER

Lyon Theoharous

On behalf of the entire Women's staff and players we'd like to thank you for coming along to support us once again on what I am sure will be a fantastic occasion.

The way the fans got behind us in the last two cup games was a major driving force in getting us this far in this competition and we are determined to reward that support with another memorable performance this afternoon.

Without doubt this will be our biggest test of the season. Swindon are a very good side and have been in excellent form this season, but I know one thing: we're not going to leave the ground today wondering what might have been. Instead everyone involved will give it absolutely everything we have and if you do that in cup football anything can happen.

We had a good win in the County Cup last week, we enjoyed another good evening when we took on the University in the Town v Gown game and training has had that little bit more of a buzz because we have been building towards playing in front of a big crowd today.

For a club at our level to get 500 fans, then 700, and then possibly even more today is incredible and just underlines the potential that this club, and this group of players in particular, have.

We won't let the occasion overwhelm us, we will be ready, and with your support let's see if we can keep this adventure going.

Get behind the players, be loud, be proud, and believe...

Lyon

 There’s a rivalry between Oxford and Swindon that stretches way beyond the football pitch. The A420 is a short journey, and was the route which workers at a Swindon car factory chose to take to break a picket line at the Oxford branch in Cowley, often seen as the trigger point that took the rivalry to a new level.

It’s easy for us in Oxford with our 60 world leaders, 30 prime ministers, 55 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners to gloat, but be fair Swindon gave us Diana Dors and Mark Lamarr.

 All of that is forgotten this afternoon where it is a friendly rivalry. Genuinely. I have old friends in the Swindon camp and they look to be building quite a team. I wish them well for the future, but only after today’s game is complete.

 For now I just wanted to mention a few people who will be overlooked on a day like this. I am not going to name names because I will miss someone out, but look around you today and every single member of staff you see is here on their day off! Like we are for every women’s game. Volunteers will be running the club shop, announcing the teams, taking pictures, working in hospitality, helping fans have a great time.

 That’s the key. Coming to watch Oxford City Women is all about having  a great team.  

Burnout BBQ provide great food, staff smile and make you welcome (NB  maybe not Shaun, he’s still tired from a trip to South Shields in midweek but get him a cuppa, he’ll be fine), hundreds of young footballers will meet the players before kick off and still be here to greet them after the final whistle has blown.

 I bang on about this a lot. This is an amazing football club. It is not just one team, it is a club that works so hard in its local community and days like today make me feel so proud. All we hope is that when you leave this evening you go away thinking what a great day you had - win, lose or draw - and that you come back and see us again.

 The Women’s team are here every other Sunday. Join our fast-growing family.