CHERRIES captain Gemma Hillier has described her side’s upcoming FA Cup tie as “another exciting opportunity”.

This afternoon (1pm), Cherries welcome fellow National League Division One South West side Bridgwater United to their usual home at Long Lane, Ringwood.

Cherries have already defeated Bridgwater twice this season, opening their league campaign with a 3-1 win at Long Lane over the Robins before advancing in the league cup by the same scoreline.

Having thrashed St Austell 13-2 in the final qualifying round, Cherries are looking to match their deepest run in the FA Cup with victory over Bridgwater in the first round.

Cherries last reached the second round in 2021, when they were knocked out by Portsmouth.

Discussing the tie with the Daily Echo, Hillier shared: “If we can win this game, obviously that will be something else that we can add to the accolades for this season.

“It’s always nice to get a home draw in the FA Cup, when you see some of the teams that are on the list that are really far up north.

“So it’s great to get a home tie and against a team that’s in our league, that we’ve already beaten this season.

“It’s another exciting opportunity for us.”