Lewes are looking to make FA Cup history this weekend – with a little help from Albion.

The Rookettes bid to reach the fourth round for the first time in the club’s history when they travel to West Brom on Sunday.

The Baggies are something of an unknown quantity as they play in the northern section of the FA Women’s Premier League and a planned scouting mission last weekend failed when their game fell foul of the weather.

Instead Lewes have called in a favour from the Seagulls who overcame West Brom – then called Sporting Club Albion – 4-2 in the play-off final to clinch a place in Super League 2 back in May.

Midfielder Leeta Rutherford, who joined Lewes from Portsmouth in November, said: “The players at Lewes have got quite a few friends at Brighton so they’ve given us a few tips on their key players.

“They are obviously a strong team as they won the title last year but we’re on a good run at the moment so it’s important we don’t worry about the opposition too much. If we focus on ourselves then we’ve got a good chance of achieving something special.

“It would be amazing for the club to reach the fourth round for the first time. Everyone is excited as we know this is a great opportunity.”

Lewes have fallen at the third round stage for the last three seasons, agonisingly bowing out on penalties at Loughborough Foxes 12 months ago.

Rutherford is confident they can halt that unfortunate run with Lewes buoyed by a six-match unbeaten streak which included a breakthrough victory over Cardiff City in the previous round.

She added: “Teams from the northern division do tend to be a little bit stronger and more physical than those in the south but we’ve got nothing to fear. Perhaps we are slight underdogs but we have really stepped it up a level in the last few months so go there full of confidence.

“Beating Cardiff was a real boost for everyone as we’d never done that before. We’ve got another chance to make some history this weekend and with the big clubs entering the competition at the next round it is a real incentive to progress further.”

Lewes go into the match on the back of a 3-1 win over Swindon Town in Premier League south at the Dripping Pan last Saturday.

Rebecca Thompson scored on her return from a long-term Achilles injury to wrap up the points in the second half after an own goal and a cool finish from Danielle Lane had given the Rookettes a 2-0 lead at the break.

Striker Rebecca Carter and veteran utility player Tammy Waine both missed the win over Swindon and are doubtful for the trip to West Brom.

Boss John Donoghue said: “We’ve won five and drawn one of our last six games so things are going well at the moment. We know it is going to be a tough game against West Brom but it is a real opportunity for us to get to the fourth round for the first time.

“They (West Brom) haven’t quite hit the heights they reached last season when they won their league but are still a strong team with some quality players. They are in a similar position to us in their division so both teams will feel it is a game they can win.”

Meanwhile, Chichester City stretched their lead at the top of Premier League division one south west to seven points as two goals from Lucie Challen helped them to a 6-0 win at Shanklin last Sunday.