Barnet Ladies take on Portsmouth on Sunday in the quarter-final of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup.

Lydia Bedford’s side will travel to Havant & Waterlooville high in confidence after being narrowly beaten by league leaders Sunderland last time out.

The Ladies began their cup campaign in sensational style when they clinched a 6-0 win over Colchester United before winning on the road against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

They came unstuck just once in the group stage as Watford secured a 1-0 win but their previous form was enough to see them safety progress into the knockout stages.

A last-16 tie with Lewes followed but it proved to be much more difficult than many of the Lady Bees anticipated with the away side forcing extra-time. 

Helen King opened the scoring but Andrea Veiga equalised to give Lewes hope before Stacey Sowden secured the win with a 96th minute strike. 

Manager Lydia Bedford is very much looking forward to the tie and believes the cup provides a welcome distraction from the Ladies less encouraging league form. 

“We are very much using the competition as a bit of an outlet from the league because we have not done as well as we would have liked. 

“Our league performance was also poor last time we won the cup but we know that as long as we are in it we can still achieve something this season.”

She added: “I think the League Cup is something that the club love to compete in especially after winning it two-years ago.

“Last year we were very disappointed to be knocked out against Coventry City but it has only made the girls more determined to succeed this time around.”

In other news, Sunderland have already progressed to the semi-final stage after securing a 2-0 win over Cardiff City. 

Also note that the Ladies league match against Watford Ladies has been rearranged for Sunday 31st March, kick-off is 2pm at Underhill.