Ella Harris outlines Leeds United Women's FA Cup ambitions ahead of Rotherham clash

Leeds United Women midfielder Ella Harris has outlined her ambitions for the Women's FA Cup, with the Whites preparing to welcome Rotherham United Women to the BD Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Simon Wood's side enters the First Round looking to bounce back from a goalless draw against AFC Fylde Women last weekend, which brought an end to their impressive run of 10 consecutive victories.

Leeds will now turn their attention to cup action, with Harris excited by the opportunity to return to home surroundings and test herself in a competition she holds in particularly high regard.

Speaking to LUTV ahead of the fixture, the midfielder explained why the FA Cup represents an important opportunity for the squad as they look to progress through the rounds.

"I'm excited for Sunday's game, it'll be good to be back at home," Harris began.

"I love the FA Cup. It's one of my favourite competitions, and it's always nice to have a break from league action and see the full use of the squad."

The Whites booked their place in the First Round with a comprehensive victory over Stockton Town Ladies in the Third Round Qualifying, with Alice Hughes scoring a hat-trick in an emphatic attacking display.

Brittany Sanderson, Abi Coley, Darcie Greene and Drew Greene also found the net, demonstrating the attacking depth available to Wood as Leeds comfortably secured their progression.

With Rotherham competing a tier below the Whites, Leeds will enter Sunday's encounter with expectations of reaching the next round, although the visitors will arrive with confidence after beating Spennymoor Town 4-0 to book their own place in the First Round.

For Harris, the ambition extends beyond simply progressing from the opening tie, with the midfielder hoping Leeds can continue their journey through the competition and potentially face some of the biggest names in the women's game.

"I think the goal is to get as far as possible, and hopefully we can come up against some big names," she added.

Harris joined Leeds over the summer after most recently featuring for Cheadle Town Women, bringing valuable experience from a successful spell that included winning the FA Women's National League Plate last season.

The 25-year-old played a decisive role in that triumph, scoring the winning penalty in the final, and will now hope to bring that experience into Leeds' own cup campaign as the Whites look to make their mark.

Sunday's encounter also offers an opportunity for the squad to respond positively after their draw against Fylde, with the result ending their 10-match winning streak.

Although Leeds were unable to find a breakthrough, their second-half performance offered encouragement after a difficult opening period against one of their title rivals.

Harris believes the contest provided an important learning experience for the group, particularly given the different approach adopted by their opponents.

"Sunday was a really good test, and it's the first time we've come across a team that played the way Fylde played," she explained.

"I think we can learn a lot from that game, and hopefully go on another winning streak like before."

With the Women's FA Cup now providing a change of focus, Harris and her teammates will be determined to put those lessons into practice against Rotherham.

Leeds host the Millers at the BD Community Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm as Wood's side look to secure their place in the next round and begin another positive run of results.