Hammersmith FC have nothing to fear ahead of their historic debut appearance in the Women’s FA Cup first round proper, according to their director of football.
The west London side, whose shirt sponsor is award-winning drum and bass duo Chase and Status, host an AFC Wimbledon team sitting two divisions above them at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub on Sunday (3pm).
The Hammers defeated Eastbourne FC 4-3 on penalties, following a 3-3 draw, and Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 in the qualifying rounds to reach this stage
And having already stunned fourth-tier outfit Wycombe, Hammersmith’s Akin Okunola is relishing the opportunity to potentially cause another cup upset.
He said: “It’s just massive, it’s so exciting.
“We’ve got no reason to fear them. We are not there to just have a lovely day out.”
Hammersmith FC have enjoyed a Wrexham-like rise to the fifth tier of women’s football, securing four promotions in five years after being founded in 2021.
Chairman Tommy Fish has blind faith in his co-founder, labelling Okunola a “giant-killer” in reference to the Hammers’ recent success against established, harder opposition such as Wycombe, and longer-established fellow London sides Millwall and Bromley.
He said: “We created this team five years ago and here we are in the FA Cup – it’s just crazy.
“It’s incredible for the club.”
Striker Madeleine Hills was wide-eyed and excited to unpack the momentous occasion, summing up her team as “Vibes FC”.
She was a founding member of the club, having moved down five divisions from Actonians FC in tier four to play for Hammersmith back in 2021.
She said: “It’s huge, and we’re punching above our weight really.
“It’s nice to show on a bigger stage what we’re really about.”
“I didn’t particularly want to drop down, but I just loved it, I got the bug for it.
“The community was great and I loved what [Hammersmith FC] were trying to do for women’s football. I made the right decision.”
She added: “We’re just getting started. We kind of can’t believe the success we’ve achieved really, it’s pretty special”
Hills’ team-mates agreed, stressing the strong sense of belonging and ambition Hammersmith have fostered across all four men’s and women’s teams.
Emma Hall, who is working overseas this week but still supporting her team from afar, joined the Hammers last summer after moving to London.
The midfielder said: “I felt like I joined a club with a clear vision.
“What really brings you to training each week is the people and the coaches. Everyone makes an effort with everyone.”
Hall was under no illusions about the magnitude of their FA Cup tie, either.
She said: “The one word we’ve been using is ‘historic’.
“Now matter how the run ends, we’re always going to be proud because we made history for the club.”
Striker Rachel Anderson and centre-back Annabelle Webster were also positive when speaking of the Hammers’ team culture.
Anderson said: “The energy and atmosphere around the club have been amazing.”
Webster, who is from New Zealand, added: “It’s been really nice coming from a different country and have that space where you feel loved.”
No matter the outcome of their monumental FA Cup story this season, Hammersmith have their sights firmly set on further back-to-back promotions to the National League next.
General manager and analyst Amy Swanton said: “I’m aspiration-minded.
“If we can get to the third round proper, that would be incredible.”
The ambitious Uefa B-licenced coach was poached from rival club Camden Town to join Hammersmith’s rise through the ranks.
The Hammers currently sit fifth in the premier division of the London and Southeast Regional Women’s league, which is at the fifth tier of women’s football in England.
They have 13 points, seven behind first-placed Brentford albeit with a game in hand.
Hammersmith have two women’s teams, with the reserves currently leading the premier division of the Greater London Women’s league, two levels below the first-team.
By coincidence, Wimbledon boss Sabiha Jamal was also an integral part of Hammersmith’s early success, helping to build up the women’s side alongside Hills and Okunola.
Hills said: “It’s a proper full circle moment.
“Some stories in football write themselves, don’t they?”
Fish was also excited for the reunion with Jamal, but all friendship will be put aside for 90 minutes this weekend.
He laughed: “Obviously, I wish her all the best – apart from this game.”
Okunola shared equal praise of Jamal calling her “an incredible person,” but reiterated Hammersmith FC still mean business come Sunday, no matter their love for the opposition manager.
AFC Wimbledon currently sit seventh in the Southern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League on 10 points from three wins, one draw and two losses.
They were on a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions until this weekend’s 2-1 defeat to first-placed Oxford United.
Forwards Ellie Dorey and Freda Ayisi have 14 goals between them and pose the most threat to Hammersmith’s back-line.
Featured image credit: The FA/Getty Images
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