Barnet Ladies are relying on a boost from England captain David Beckham as they prepare for the chance to complete a hat-trick of upsets against Liverpool in Sunday's fifth round Nationwide FA Women's Cup tie at Hanwell Town.

 

Barnet manager Tracey Kevins, who works at the recently opened David Beckham Academy in London, revealed: "David gave me a good luck card when he was at the academy just before Christmas.

 

"I didn't say anything about the card until we were at the team hotel in Manchester just before our fourth round tie against City, but when I showed it to the girls it was a massive boost for everyone.To get a good luck card from the England captain was very special".

 

After beating Premier League South West Ham United in round three, the card proved motivational for the South East Combination Bees against City.

 

Barnet, who have never reached the last 16 and are the only surviving non-league side, now await Liverpool, top of the Premier League Northern Division. They may be "severe underdogs", but they are backed by Beckham.