HASHTAG United's new women's team make their FA Cup bow on Sunday afternoon as they welcome FA WNL Division One South East rivals Enfield Town to Park Lane in what is arguably the most exciting tie of the entire second qualifying round schedule.

After an immensely positive start to their maiden season since Spencer Owen's one-of-a-kind football club announced its merger with former outfit AFC Basildon, Jason Stephens' side sit third in their league with a return of nine points from their opening four games.

As the Tags turn their attention to cup action, star striker Holly Turner cannot wait for another historic moment in the club's short history.

And she also believes the women's side can take huge inspiration from the men's side, who enjoyed a magical run from the extra preliminary round to the Second Qualifying round before losing out in agonising fashion to Braintree Town on penalties.

Looking ahead to Sunday's showdown, the 20-year-old stated: “I think it’s safe to say everyone at the club is excited to see us play in the Women’s FA Cup for the first time wearing the Hashtag United colours!

“The men had an excellent cup run, especially for their first time in the competition! Now it’s our turn and, of course, we will want to impress and have a good cup run as well. However, we need to be completely focused in order to achieve that goal.”

While the squad are clearly enjoying the increased exposure that joining forces with the internet sensations has delivered, their focus remains on producing results on the pitch. Although the heightened interest surrounding their games is an entirely new experience, playing in the FA Cup is a familiar feeling for the core of a team that remained at Park Lane following the merger.

However, the Tags know that they are in for a tough test. Turner explains: “We have been drawn against Enfield in our first round, who are a very strong team. So, it won’t be easy.

“Luckily, as a team, we have had some experience playing in the FA Cup from last season [as AFC Basildon], so we should know what to expect. We are ready and the girls are definitely excited for the game.”

Last season, Turner and her teammates saw their first round conquerors Ipswich Town enjoy a phenomenal run to the quarter-final.

While thoughts of reaching the heady heights of the last eight aren't entering Hashtag's mindset at this early stage, the former West Ham United academy starlet is adamant that the Tags aren't simply there to make up the numbers and remains optimistic that the women's side can create some magic of their own.

She continued: “Anyone that plays in the FA Cup is looking to have the best run possible, no one plays the competition to lose.

“I just think football in general is about taking any competition game by game no matter the team you face. However, as it’s an FA Cup game it can bring extra expectations and pressure. Anyone can beat anyone so you have to be prepared each step of the way.”

Aside from the chance to keep progressing in the historic competition, Sunday's clash offers the Park Lane outfit a chance to build on the momentum that has been gained from a hat-trick of straight league victories ahead of a hectic schedule between now and the winter break.

Turner, who additionally praised the squad's increased strength and depth, declared herself pleased with the team's early season performances and feels that they have the traits to keep growing over the weeks to come, starting with a big performance in their testing cup opener.

“We have had both good and bad performances, but in general we haven’t stopped growing and learning as a team.

“I definitely think our league season has started well. We had a narrow defeat to a very good Ipswich side and lost by a great strike. Since then, we have done what we’ve needed to and found a way to win and do the job so that shows the character of our squad.”

On a personal note, Turner has followed up a fantastic 2019/20 campaign, in which she was her division's fourth-leading scorer prior to the season's curtailment, in exceptional form. The athletic striker, nicknamed the Big Number Nine, has already registered two goals and three assists while being named the Opposition Player of the Match in three of the club's four matches.

While individual targets are a source of motivation for a player whose determination is evident from the first whistle to the last, Turner's main focus remains on team objectives in what is already shaping up to be a great debut season for the Tags.

She concluded: “Those that have watched me will know I usually assist more than I score. However, I will do my best to still compete with the top girls in the league. As long as the team wins and I play a part in that, nothing else matters.”