Worcester City Women captain Jess Fassnidge says she doesn’t take goals for granted after netting a hat-trick in Friday night’s win over Knowle Ladies.
City moved the game from their usual Sunday slot at Sixways Stadium to celebrate International Women’s Day and walked out to a jubilant crowd of over 500 supporters.
Fassnidge marked the game with all three goals in the 3-0 win, grabbing her 10th Midlands Regional Football League strike of the campaign too – an achievement the skipper is pleased with.
“It’s just incredible,” Fassnidge, Friday night’s difference maker, said.
“It was an amazing night.
“It’s always great to try and contribute as a player in the other box.
“As a player, sometimes you take scoring goals for granted, you never know how many minutes you might get.
“To score one is great, but I’ve been working hard to score more, the hat trick on Friday was great.
“We’ve been working in training on third-man runs.
“We’ve tried to work in training on lots of things, but we’ve had to rotate the squad recently with injuries, so adapting things a bit has been a challenge.”
Unbeaten @WCFCWomen had a memorable evening at Sixways Stadium on Friday.
— Park Life Sport (@ParkLife_Sport) March 12, 2024
They took on Knowle Ladies on an occasion fit for #InternationalWomensDay.
Our reporter @louisbent_ was there for this one. 👇 pic.twitter.com/fLcNQcl6cX
Sixways has been City’s home since September when owner Nicole Allison struck a deal with the stadium’s owners to play their home fixtures there.
It’s fair to say they’re starting to get their feet under the carpet of the former home of Worcester Warriors, whose bid to continue playing professional rugby collapsed in early 2023 – City are unbeaten in the league this season.
“The support we get is just next level,” Fassnidge lauded.
“It’s just incredible, we were all really excited knowing this was on a Friday night.
“You get to play football, which we love, but to do it with the people we love, the players, staff, and volunteers as one big team is incredible.
“Getting a win, a clean sheet, and keeping focused – made it even more special.
“It would be the cherry on top of the cake [to go unbeaten].
“At the end of the day, the wins are the most important thing.
“We know what our goals and objectives are, staying focused on those are our priorities.”
Ambitious Worcester City Women Owner Thrilled With Loyal Sixways Stadium Following As Title Chase Continues⚽️@louisbent_ reports✍️https://t.co/MdV6diJ8JH pic.twitter.com/ZxHxEuOt0w
— Park Life Sport (@ParkLife_Sport) March 14, 2024
In a touching twist, City’s players walked out with women that inspire them, rather than traditional young mascots.
In doing so, the captain showed her appreciation for a special figure in her life.
“I walked out with my Mum in the end,” Fassnidge said.
“She’s been there with me for my entire life.
“In terms of my football, she’s pushed me to go to the next level in my scholarship in America.
“If it wasn’t for her being a single parent, buying me the kit, and taking me to training I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“When I was younger there weren’t the opportunities to progress as a female footballer.
“She unlocked as many as she could.”
Worcester City Women are next in action against Malvern Town at Sixways in the Worcestershire County FA semi-final on Sunday, March 17.
