Women's FA Cup fifth round draw throws up trio of derby games

Arsenal Ladies defender Jemma Rose is relishing the prospect of a mouth-watering North London derby in the fifth round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup after the Gunners were drawn against neighbours Tottenham.

Despite being sidelined through injury, the England Lionesses' centre-back will cheer on her Arsenal team-mates as they entertain Tottenham on March 19 in what looks like the standout tie of the fifth round.

Rose, 25, was at the fifth-round draw at Hornsey School for Girls, in North London, where two pupils drew the numbered balls out of the iconic FA velvet bag.

She also took part in a question and answers session with students, and is confident the upcoming cup derby can ignite passion among supporters.

"It's a big derby and it's going to be a big spectacle for women's football," Rose said. "I think it's going to attract a big crowd - we've not played Tottenham for a long time, but it's going to be a big test for both us and them.

"We don't know too much about Tottenham, but it will be an exciting game and definitely one we are looking forward to."

Teams from the FA Women's Super League Division One entered the SSE Women's FA Cup at this stage, along with the six sides that progressed through the fourth round at the weekend.

The fifth-round ties will be played on Sunday March 19 as the remaining 16 teams look to take a step closer to Wembley where the final will be played for the third year running.

And as well as the big North London sides locking horns for a place in the quarter-finals, the draw at Hornsey threw up several tasty ties.

Liverpool host Everton in a Merseyside derby, while Birmingham City entertain West Bromwich Albion in an eye-catching clash.

Sunderland host Aston Villa, while Rose's former side Bristol City face Millwall Lionesses.

Plymouth-born Rose came through the ranks at then Bristol Academy, and believes her former side can stamp their authority on the competition.

"I do still keep an eye on Bristol," she said. "They've signed a good influx of players and I think they can do well in the competition.

"Historically, they've done well in the SSE Women's FA Cup, and did so when I was there a few years ago.

"They can do well this season, I'm sure they'll do well and I wish them all the best."

Two of the favourites, Manchester City and Chelsea, have respective home ties again Reading and Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Notts County host newly-promoted Yeovil Town in the final fixture of the round.

Tickets are now on sale for the SSE Women's FA Cup Final on Saturday May 13 at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. For the second consecutive year, kids go free to the final. Adult tickets cost £15 and can be purchased here