Reigning women’s FA Cup champions Manchester City will begin their title defence against Brighton and Hove Albion as they set their sights on a record four trophies this season.

Demi Stokes may already have picked up winners’ medals aplenty during the last 12 months but the South Shields native is planning on making room for another this summer with England at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017.

Manchester City have enjoyed considerable domestic success in the past couple of years, but captain Steph Houghton insists her players are desperate to claim the prize that has so far eluded them – the SSE Women’s FA Cup.

Despite finishing mid-table in the league City’s highlight was reaching the Continental Cup final, where they beat three-times champions Arsenal to claim their first silverware as a club

With losses to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the FA Cup, City are determined not to make it a third defeat as they enter uncharted waters on Sunday.

Cushing is hopeful that their “unique” style of play can bring them further success this season with City in their debut season.