# FA Cup Preview: Wallsend Women Ready to Welcome Darlington
Wallsend Women begin another Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign this Sunday as Darlington Women visit Kirkley Park.
The tie kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 20 September, with both teams hoping to take the first step towards an extended run in one of the most prestigious competitions in English football.
## A new cup journey begins
The FA Cup has already provided Wallsend with some memorable moments in recent seasons.
Last year, the team produced its strongest run in the competition for some time. A convincing 5–0 victory over Wigginton Grasshoppers was followed by a thrilling 5–4 win away to Wyke Wanderers.
Wallsend then travelled to Manchester Laces in the First Round Proper and returned to the North East with an impressive 3–1 victory. That result earned the team a place in the Second Round Proper and a difficult trip to Peterborough United.
Although the journey eventually ended with a 4–0 defeat against a strong Peterborough side, reaching that stage of the competition was a significant achievement and gave the squad valuable experience of knockout football on a national stage.
The previous season saw Wallsend involved in another entertaining FA Cup fixture, narrowly losing 3–2 at home to Penrith. Those experiences have shown that cup football rarely follows a predictable script.
## Darlington’s recent cup history
Darlington also have recent experience of building momentum in the early rounds.
Their 2025/26 campaign began with a 4–0 victory over Heaton Hawks before a 2–0 away win against Hebburn Town. Their run was eventually ended by higher-ranked Ponteland United, who recorded a 4–1 victory in the Second Qualifying Round.
Darlington also enjoyed a positive run during the previous season. They defeated GT7 3–1 before progressing against Whitehaven following a penalty shootout.
Those results underline the threat Darlington can pose in this competition. They arrive at Kirkley Park with nothing to lose and will be determined to make the occasion as difficult as possible for the hosts.
## Home advantage for Wallsend
Playing at Kirkley Park gives Wallsend the opportunity to begin their cup campaign in familiar surroundings and with the backing of the home support.
Wallsend enter the tie as the more established side within the regional pyramid, but league position and previous results count for very little once an FA Cup match begins.
Darlington have demonstrated that they can progress through difficult knockout ties, while Wallsend’s run to the Second Round Proper last season gives the squad valuable confidence and experience to draw upon.
Patience could be important. Darlington are likely to compete with energy and commitment, attempting to disrupt Wallsend’s rhythm and grow into the contest. Wallsend will need to match that intensity while remaining composed in possession and making the most of opportunities when they arrive.
For the players, staff and supporters, the FA Cup offers something different from the weekly league programme. Every match carries additional pressure, but it also provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and represent the club on a wider stage.
After last season’s excellent run, Wallsend will be determined to begin another cup adventure with a strong performance on home soil.
## Match details
**Adobe Women’s FA Cup** **Wallsend Women v Darlington Women** **Sunday 20 September 2026** **Kick-off: 2pm** **Venue: Kirkley Park**
One game. One opportunity. The next chapter of Wallsend Women’s FA Cup story starts at Kirkley Park on Sunday.