THE County Ground will host a historic double-header on Saturday, October 22 as both Swindon Town men and women are set to play their respective fixtures one after the other for the first time ever.

In what is likely to be a debut for many back-to-back games over the coming years, Town Women’s FA Cup third-qualifying-round tie against Paulton Rovers (5:45pm kick-off) will take place at SN1 immediately after the men’s League Two clash with Hartlepool United (3pm).

Anyone who buys a ticket for the men’s game will automatically receive free admission to the women’s match, although the John Trollope Arkell’s Stand will be the only open area.

In addition, up to two girls aged 16 and under can attend the men’s game for free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Swindon Town Women’s director of football, Tom Hartley, said: “This double-header creates a fantastic opportunity for Swindon fans to get behind both the men and women’s teams on the same day, offering a unique family atmosphere.

“We’ll also be attempting to eclipse the highest attendance for a Swindon Town Women’s fixture as well as the current record for a Vitality Women’s FA Cup tie at this stage of the competition, with the winners going into the draw for the first round proper.”

READ: Town Women target second tier within five years after full link with men's side.

Although this will be the first time in the football club’s history two games will take place in the same day at The County Ground, Town Women have played at the stadium before.

They took on Poole Town back in September 2019 in the FA Women’s National League South West, beating the visitors 4-3 in front of 336 supporters – their highest attendance to date.

Women’s head coach, James Lally, said: “We’re delighted to be playing this important FA Cup tie at the home of Swindon Town.

“The support of the fans will highlight the ‘one-club’ mentality we are striving towards here and will mark a huge occasion for our players.”

Meanwhile, Town men’s chief executive, Rob Angus, added: “We are delighted to generate this opportunity for our women’s team to play at the County Ground, creating a bumper afternoon of football for everyone here in Wiltshire.

“This game will be the first of many hosted at the stadium and Foundation Park for our women, and we want to do everything we can to make it a huge success.

“We encourage as many of you as possible to join us on the day and cheer the girls onto victory, and thank you all for your continued support.”