City Women host Pontypridd United in their next Genero Adran Premier fixture this Sunday.
The Bluebirds returned back to top of the table with victory over Briton Ferry last time out, and with two fixtures of Phase One remaining, hope to maintain their unbeaten run.
Kick-off for this fixture is on Sunday 25th January with a kick-off of 5:10pm.
PRE-MATCH | IAIN DARBYSHIRE
"We’ve got a positive feeling in the group.” Iain began. “We've got some really good results recently and we're looking for that to continue on the weekend and the game's going forward.
“We've had to show our squad depth through this busy fixture period. We've shown that we've got really good players throughout the squad and everybody has had to step up at some point over the last few games and do their bit for the team and that will be no different on Sunday.
“We'll have a fresh squad, minutes for players who have earned it in training and give them an opportunity to state their case to be in the team going forward.”
With Phase One drawing to a close, Iain is hoping his side can continue the momentum built into the second half of the season.
“We want to finish Phase One top of the table.” Iain continued. “We've got a good opportunity to do so and we'll make sure that we give everything we can to achieve that goal. We know how important it is going into to Phase Two with momentum with you because that's where other big games come thick and fast. So we're mentally prepared for it. We just got to get over these last couple of games and be fresh then heading into Phase Two.
“We've got a lot of good group of young players, that’s credit to the U19s players who've stepped up and we've got a really good balance at the squad at the minute. Especially bringing Madison [Lloyd] and Seren [Thomas] back into the group. They've really contributed over the last few games. So I think the squad's feeling good, feeling healthy and we're looking forward then to giving people more minutes on Sunday.
“So it’s a big opportunity for a lot of players. Ponty are going to pose a specific challenge and we’ll have to deal with that. But these are the games where people really can go and put their name forward to being the starting team going forward. So the squad are aware of it and they know that they're always auditioning and competing against each other for starting positions and hopefully we have a good performance on Sunday and players can deliver.”
PRE-MATCH | LISA OWEN
“We’re expecting a good game,” Lisa began. “There’s no easy game in this league with how competitive it has become and Ponty can be difficult to break down. So, we know we will have to be on it from the first whistle. If we stick to our game plan and play with confidence, I believe we can get the job done.
“The confidence in the squad is really high at the moment. We’re coming into the game off the back of some very good results and that reflects from the hard work everyone has been putting in on and off the pitch, and that gives us belief going into every game.
“It’s really important to maintain the momentum we’ve got and finish Phase One strongly. It’ll set the tone for the rest of the season and it’s something we can keep building and working on. Momentum is huge in football, and we want to carry this energy and belief forward. Every game is an opportunity to make a statement, and ending this phase on a high would give us a great platform to push on and achieve our goals.”
REVERSE FIXTURE
The two sides last faced off in October, with City emerging as 7-1 winners. Laura Curnock and Nieve Jenkins got the visitors off to a fast start by scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, before Madison Lloyd, then on loan at Ponty from City, pulled one back to half the deficit. Curnock added her second shortly before half-time to put the Bluebirds 3-1 up at the break.
Megan Bowen got on the scoresheet, heading home from close range following a Mackenzie Olden corner, before Curnock completed her hat-trick after winning a penalty and converting from the spot. Amy Long was introduced from the bench and immediately made an impact, pouncing in the six-yard box and slotting home City’s sixth. Skipper Hannah Power headed their seventh following another corner five minutes from time to complete the victory.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for this Sunday’s match will cost £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Sunday should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.