Nicole Dale has insisted that previous results will be in the back of her mind, when Coventry City Ladies play host to Leeds United in the FA Women’s Premier League on Sunday.
Carey Huegett netted a last-minute winner for United when the clubs met in August, but Dale believes that this will not be a mental factor heading into the game at the Bedworth Oval.
‘’I have not thought of the opposition as a worry or a team that has defeated us, it's just that we didn't perform individually and collectively as a team in the previous fixtures. With a great manager in Chris (Holloway) and a motivated squad, the world is our oyster.’’
Dale added: ‘’As a team we go out to win every game regardless of any previous results so our ultimate aim is to collect maximum points from Sunday’s game.’’
Poor weather conditions across the country have seriously affected the schedule in the build-up to the Christmas period. This has been especially unfortunate for the Sky Blues, who are in great form, having won four consecutive games in all competitions.
A waterlogged pitch at the Bedworth Oval meant that Coventry’s fixture with Manchester City was called off last week, and there have been subsequent rearrangements for the league fixtures with both Portsmouth and Sunderland, with both now listed to go ahead after the festive break.
After playing a bit-part role throughout last season, Dale has been a key figure in recent weeks for the Sky Blues, featuring in the victories over Derby County and Cardiff City. A true sign of her development saw Holloway hand her the captain’s armband for the 14-0 FA County Cup victory over Knowle, a match in which netted her first goal of the season, and incredibly helped herself to seven assists.
‘’I hope I can perform to Coventry’s high standards in all the games coming up and contribute to the winning formula we have now developed’’ she said. ‘’I am now playing regularly and this can only add to my overall confidence of helping my teammates to achieve the best results.’’
The Sky Blues – who currently sit in sixth position – know that a three-goal victory on Sunday, with other results going their way, could take them above Leeds United and as high as second in the league.
The FA Women’s Premier League fixture will take place at the Bedworth Oval this Sunday, and will kick off at 2pm.