Coventry City Ladies striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk has admitted that the club will not be taking anything for granted, ahead of the home fixture against winless Barnet tomorrow (Sunday 2pm).
The Bees currently prop up the league, having gained just four points from a possible 45 this season, scoring only four goals along the way, but the Sky Blues forward urged the team to be on their guard on Sunday afternoon.
‘’The thoughts leading up to the game are to not be complacent,’’ admitted Sweetman-Kirk. ‘’Any team in this league is a threat if you take them lightly. We will work hard this week in training with Chris (Holloway) and the other staff, so we know the game plan and I have no doubts that we will have another three points under our belt on Sunday evening.’’
Spirits are high in the Sky Blues camp, after they dragged themselves away from the bottom two with a much needed victory over Charlton Athletic last weekend, courtesy of a rare goal from skipper Natasha Lynch. It was the first league victory in five attempts, in a frustrating season tarnished by postponements and fixture changes.
Cardiff City and Aston Villa await after taking on the Londoners, with both teams lying within four points of Coventry City. The Sky Blues will then defend their Birmingham FA County Cup trophy against Sporting Club Albion in early May.
Sweetman-Kirk and midfielder Helen Dermody scored the goals in a comprehensive 2-0 victory when the teams met back in October. Despite taking just two points since then, Barnet will be lifted by recent improved performances against high-flying Watford and Sunderland, and Dermody echoed the cautious sentiments of her teammate.
‘’We won't take into account that they haven't won in 15 attempts, we will go into the game knowing that they will be wanting to win and we will play our game like we do against anyone else.
‘’However, we are definitely getting back into the momentum of the league again, as the break from games because of the weather and cup games haven't benefited us at all.’’
The FA Women’s Premier League fixture takes place at the Bedworth Oval this Sunday, and will kick off at 2pm.