PLYMOUTH Argyle Ladies will entertain AFC Wimbledon on Sunday at Plymouth Marjon University in the National League Plate (12noon).
The second round tie has had to be moved to Marjons as the Manadon Hub is unavailable.
With goalkeeper Ben Kyle likely to be out of action for two months with a hand injury, Argyle will once again call on versatile captain Kate Middleton, who donned the gloves for last week’s Devon Senior Cup tie win at Feniton, to fill the void.
Middleton is no stranger to pulling on the goalkeeper’s jersey as she has stood in on a number of occasions and has been a reliable deputy.
Argyle manager Dave Leonard said: “We have been on the look-out for Kyle’s replacement. I have got somebody lined up but it is going to take a while obviously.
“We hope to have her (Kyle) back for the visit of Crawley Wasps on January 12 but in the meantime Kate is in goal.
Argyle are also without midfielder Jessie Jones, who is unavailable, but there is better news for Kayley Lane, who has missed the last two games through injury.
Leonard said: “We are looking forward to the tie. Having a home draw helps as we haven’t had a lot of them lately.
“We’ll look to win and then get into the next round and get another home draw.”
This will only be Argyle’s third home game in 12 matches played this season and team are hoping for a good crowd at Marjons.
Argyle and AFC Wimbledon last met during the 2016-17 season. Wimbledon won 3-2 in the League Cup and then knocked them out of the FA Cup 3-0 in Plymouth at the second round stage.
Leonard will not be taking this game lightly as the Dons are having a highly successful season in National League Division One South East. They are unbeaten having won eight and drawn their other three. Argyle will have to be aware of joint top scorers Helen Ogle and Karie Stanley who have scored six goals each so far.
Leonard will not be taking anyone from the development team but will rely on a squad of 14 players.
Argyle (from): Kate Middleton, Bow Jackson, Faye Ivall, Ebony Dover, Leah Burridge, Helen Bleazard, Zoe Cunningham, Amber Pollock, Natasha Knapman, Steph Beck, Lydia Huntley, Mollie Taylor, Becky Dandridge and Kayley Lane.
Argyle’s development team, who have not played for a month, will be hoping for good weather for the visit of Exeter & Tedburn Rangers to the Manadon Hub on Sunday (2pm).
The young Pilgrims will be looking to extend their league and cup winning run to six matches.
The coaching staff are well aware that they have to get the balance right with the youth and the more experienced players.
Manager Rob Bonney said: “These kids are really putting the pressure on us with their performances and attitude in training. It’s a good headache to have, but one we must manage in the correct manner. They all have a bright future in front of them but they must continue to apply themselves, the way they are at the moment.
“A few of them have already been called to train with the first team and they can see from those sessions the standards they need to reach. First of all though they need to get to grips with adult football and continue to impress in the manner they all are at the moment.
“We were hoping to bring the really impressive midfielder Immy Crawford into the squad but unfortunately she has had a re-occurrence of her knee injury. Coming into consideration will be young goalkeeper Maisie Frickleton, who is another who is needs game experience.
Argyle Development Squad: Maddie Walsh, Rachel Heron, Maisie Williams, Kiara Robins, Beth Everson, Lucy Solloway, Hannah Brock, Rachel Javan, Isla Brumhead, Ellie Bishop, Dani Wyatt, Maddy Leppard, Nelinha Barros, Chardonnay James, Beth Cowd, Nicola Champion, Dee Newman, Kiara Robins, Maisie Frickleton.