The Stage is Set for the FAWNL Cup Final: Bournemouth and Plymouth go head-to-head
In the 34th edition of the FA Women’s National League Cup, AFC Bournemouth will face Plymouth Argyle in the Final at Loftus Road on 28th March 2026.
Plymouth sits six points ahead of Bournemouth in the FAWNL South, with the two sides facing one another last weekend. The Greens took the win thanks to a Phoebe Poole goal and a late minute winner from Una Lue.
Having seen this fixture as almost a test match for this weekend’s final, the Cherries look to bounce back and defy the odds with a victory. It is guaranteed that the final will be unexpected and full of excitement, with hopes of a strong crowd at Loftus Road!
Road to the Final
Bournemouth enter the final confidently after keeping clean sheets in all of their games in the competition as well as scoring twenty goals throughout. In the semi-final they were successful against a respectable West Bromwich Albion side, who currently sit 5th in the National League South. A dominant performance resulted in a 2-0 win against The Baggies, elevating their game and pushing towards one last fixture.
Plymouth will arrive at Loftus Road with great satisfaction from their performances, especially their semi-final against strenuous opponent, Burnley. Burnley sit four points clear at the top of FAWNL North and are currently unbeaten in the league this 2025/26 season. However, their cup run saw them lose out on a final place as they were defeated 4-1 by Marie Hourihan’s ambitious Plymouth side.
Having beaten the front-runners in the competition, the Pilgrims are the favourites to go all the way in the competition. However, the Cherries retained a strong unbeaten streak in the FAWNL and believe lifting the trophy would be a testament to the club’s hard-work and commitment to developing the women’s game.
Jessica Hennessy on trust and togetherness
AFC Bournemouth defender Jessica Hennessy spoke to the media about The Cherrie’s league defeat against The Green’s ahead of Saturday’s Cup Final.
She complimented the competition as “the sort of games you want to play in as a player”, showing the prestige of the final, especially at non-professional level. Hennessy highlighted the ambition of the Bournemouth players wanting to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat as they aspire to “put things right again.”
The Cherries’ defender also stated her confidence in the management as the team, representing the trust and togetherness of the team ahead of such an important matchday:
“The team back Blez (Helen Bleazard) and the management so if they tell us to do anything we will do it.”
Marie Hourihan on ambition and belief
Plymouth Argyle manager, Hourihan also reflected on the importance of the occasion and her belief in her team that they can take this opportunity with both hands:
“You don’t get many opportunities to play in finals.”
For the players, the final will be something truly special, so she wants them to “enjoy the lead up.” The Pilgrims are working hard and filled with determination to succeed in the Final, as Hourihan stated:
“We’ll try our best to get the same result on Saturday.”
Significance of the Cup Final
Nick Frith, The FA’s Head of Women’s Football Pyramid stated that the Cup Final presents opportunity and elevates the stage for the FAWNL:
“The Cup Final is a showpiece event… the best of the non-professional game to compete.”
The game also hopes to attract fans in order to aid the growth of women’s football, especially for the FAWNL as there is a “dedicated fanzone” as well as “entertainment pre- and post-match.” With pre- and post-match activities, the FA hope to encourage new fans to come along and experience a proper women’s football matchday, filled with community spirit and a highly anticipated Cup Final.
Kate Longhurst won the competition with Nottingham Forest last season, and she praised the League Cup as a “really great trophy to win” as the teams are the “best of everyone at that level.”
The FAWNL Cup Final between AFC Bournemouth and Plymouth Argyle will kick off at 3:30pm BST on Saturday 28th March at Loftus Road. Buy tickets so you can experience the magic of the FAWNL live, via the link below. Or if unable to attend, the game is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer. You won’t want to miss this one!