A trip down memory lane | Our 2014/15 Women’s FA Cup run

As we return to Adobe Women’s FA Cup action this weekend, we take a trip down memory lane to the 2014/2015 edition of the competition, where we enjoyed a successful run to the fifth round that year.

Competing as a tier three side at the time – in the FA Women’s National League - we entered at the second-round stage and were drawn against Copsewood Coventry in January, 2015 - and there was late drama at Ware FC.

Despite a dominant first period, we somehow found ourselves 1-0 down at the break, but Katie O’Leary brought us back on level terms in the 67-minute but, after the visitors sheer will and determination to withstand our waves of attack, we were forced into extra time.

Then, with only five minutes remaining in the contest, Wendy Martin grabbed the winning goal to send us in to the third round.

Spurs: Toni-Ann Wayne; Sophie McLean, Alex Keown, Jenna Schillaci, Avilla Bergin; Shannon Maloney, Wendy Martin, Maya Vio (Dayna Chong, 76); Bianca Baptiste, Kate O'Leary, Andra Marcoci (Robyn Downie, 105). Unused sub: Tasha Smits.

More FA Cup joy

Next up in the competition was the visit of Preston North End, who competed in the FA Women’s Premier League North – one division below us at that time.

Maya Vio’s sweet strike from the edge of the box gave us the lead on the stroke of half-time before three goals in the space of 13 minutes in the second period put the tie in our control – Katie O’Leary, Wendy Martin and Vio all on target.

The visitors pulled a goal back, but Lucia Leon fired home to round off the scoring and earn us a convincing 5-1 victory.

That saw us sail through to the fourth round of the competition for the first time in 20 years.

Spurs vs Preston North End: Toni-Anne Wayne; Lucia Leon, Jenna Schillaci, Alex Keown, Sophie McLean; Shannon Maloney, Wendy Martin, Maya Vio (Andra Marcoci, 75); Avilla Bergin, Katie O'Leary, Bianca Baptiste (Riana-Devi Soobadoo, 75). Unused sub: Leah Rawle.

We storm into the last 16 of the FA Cup

Our FA Cup journey didn’t stop there as, after a strong first half performance at Derby County, we progressed to the fifth round of the competition.

Lucia Leon, Katie O’Leary and Avilla Bergin put us in complete control in the first 45 minutes and, after a controlled and professional second half performance, we overcame the Ewes away from home and secured our place in the next round.

That saw the team reach the fifth-round stage for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Spurs vs Derby: Toni-Anne Wayne; Lucia Leon, Alex Keown, Jenna Schillaci, Sophie McLean; Wendy Martin, Riana-Devi Soobadoo, Maya Vio; Bianca Baptiste (Laeh Rawle, 70), Katie O'Leary (Andra Marcoci, 75), Avilla Bergin (Leanne Mabey, 84).

A proud afternoon against Notts County

Following a successful run in the Women’s FA Cup up to then, we were then drawn against Women’s Super League 1 side at the time, Notts County, in the fifth round and we put in a performance to be proud of.

Notts County, who lined-up with 10 England internationals in their starting XI – which included Ellen White, Alex Greenwood, current Spur Amy James-Turner and former player Rachel Williams – proved to be too strong for us on the day as we bowed out of the competition with a 4-0 defeat at Meadow Lane.

We found ourselves 2-0 down just minutes into the second half, but we continued to put in a strong defensive display against the top flight side. However, in the end, two goals in the last two minutes from the home side pushed the final scoreline to 4-0.

Spurs vs Notts County: Toni-Anne Wayne; Lucia Leon, Alex Keown, Jenna Schillaci, Sophie McLean; Wendy Martin, Maya Vio, Riana Soobadoo (Robyn Downie, 89); Bianca Baptiste, Katie O'Leary (Andra Marcoci, 80), Avilla Bergin (Leah Rawle, 84). Unused sub: Lauren Picton.