On Thursday evening, Hayes's side claimed a place in the first of two potential domestic cup finals this season. Man City were defeated in the Continental Tyres League Cup semi-finals thanks to Lauren James's early goal and a strong defensive display.

Arsenal await us in the final of that competition. In the FA Cup quarter-finals tomorrow afternoon, it is Everton that provide the next roadblock to be navigated

Our squad – particularly in defence – was stretched for the trip to City. Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan were not available following international duty with Canada, Maren Mjelde and Millie Bright were also absent due to injury, and Nathalie Bjorn was cup-tied.

It meant Jess Carter was the only recognised centre-back available, and that resulted in Sjoeke Nusken being dropped into the backline. A further issue to solve arose midway through the first half when Mayra Ramirez was forced off through injury.

The makeshift side held firm, though, to record a clean sheet and secure a crucial win. The challenge now is turning out another strong showing in the north-west at Everton, less than 72 hours after the City trip.

‘I think it [the City semi-final win] will give us a lot of confidence,' Hayes explained. 'No question. But we have a late night home, are off, and are then back in on Saturday. We'll train and then head up again [to Everton].

‘We just have to get the loading right. Some players might not see the training pitch on Saturday. They might just go from game to game because of the accumulation. We just have to be smart and use the performance team and the medical team.

'There are players that were on the bench [against Man City] that will play on Sunday. It’s important we get as fresh as we can and then put a team out.'

The prospect of reaching another FA Cup final at Wembley – Hayes's side have won their last three at the famous stadium – will loom large if we can get past the Merseysiders tomorrow afternoon.

And Hayes insists the quest for silverware is the main motivation for her players rather than the squad attempting to give her the perfect sign-off from Chelsea come the end of the campaign.

'I don’t think they are motivated for me,' she said. 'They are winners. We have a lot of players in our dressing room, some have won something, some haven’t. But I always say no matter what their motivations are, there is a trophy on offer.

'When you put the long days and long weeks together over a season, you want to make sure you do everything possible to make sure you’re at that final.'

Before that comes Everton, however. The quarter-final at Walton Hall Park will not be easy and Hayes is certainly not taking anything for granted. A challenge is expected.

‘I like the way they [Everton] play football,' she said. 'They build up really, really well, they are intricate between both the boxes and I’m sure Brian [Sorensen, Everton manager] would agree with that.

‘They are a team that have caused us problems before. It’s difficult to get a press on them because they keep the ball really, really well in their shape – generally a three-back system. They stick to that and I like watching them play.'

After the FA Cup quarter-final comes a WSL clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Grab your tickets now!