AFC Portchester Ladies first match on brand new 3G pitch in the FA Cup First Round Proper vs Oxford United

AFC Portchester are preparing for their FA Cup tie as they welcome Oxford United to The OnSite Group Stadium on Sunday 25 October in the Adobe Women's FA Cup First Round Proper.

placeholder image — The OnSite Group Stadium | The OnSite Group Stadium

Reaching the First Round Proper is a great achievement for the team and reflects the hard work that has been put in.

Mark Dugan, AFC Portchester ladies manager said: “With The OnSite Group Stadium now becoming a regional satellite centre for women’s and girls’ football, it’s fantastic! To be able to have our first game on it with all the tradition the FA Cup holds for everyone, I can’t wait for the game itself and to see all our teams playing on the fantastic new 3G pitch.

AFC Portchester celebrations during AFC Portchester 4-0 vs Bournemouth Sports | Dave Haines

The FA Cup has always been a special competition for us, creating some wonderful memories, from our victory over QK Southampton to the heartbreak of a last-minute defeat at Bromley in the First-Round Proper. More recently, entertaining Ipswich Town here last season in the Third Round Proper in what is our record attendance for the ladies’ game. We now look forward to welcoming Oxford United a top of the table Tier 3 side from the National League to our brand-new 3G pitch which is a fantastic occasion for the club. Hopefully, we will have a big crowd and create more special memories. We are all really looking forward to the occasion.”

The occasion comes during an exciting new chapter for the club, following the completion of a major redevelopment project at The OnSite Group Stadium.

The installation of the new 3G pitch represents a substantial investment in the future of football at Portchester, providing improved facilities for the club's men's, women's and youth teams, as well as creating greater opportunities for football throughout the local community.

Sunday's FA Cup encounter brings together two important milestones, both the team's achievement in reaching the First Round Proper and the opportunity to play on the newly redeveloped home pitch.

AFC Portchester Manager, Mark Dugan | Dave Haines

AFC Portchester will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage and the backing of supporters as they welcome them back to The Onsite Group Stadium.

Match details

AFC Portchester Ladies v Oxford United