Guiseley Vixens travel to Crewe Alexandra as they look to extend their lead at the top of the FA Women’s Premier League Division One.
Crewe are looking to add to their first win in three games which they picked up against Tranmere, after losing to Hull City and Brighouse Town. The Vixens are wanting to add to their impressive away record, picking up maximum points on the road so far this season.
The two sides are yet to face each other after the previous fixture was postponed.
Captain’s Thoughts
Alarna Fuller said: “We’re going into the game off the back of a great win against a tough, well set out Chorley team. We don’t know a lot about Crewe so we’re going have to be cautious about our approach.
“We’re fully aware we need five more wins to win the league and all our sights are set on making that happen.”
Manager’s Thoughts
Glen Preston said: “We are capable of a win but nothing in football is a certainty. Crewe are fighting for their lives to stay in the league and they’re coming into the game off the back of a massive win against Tranmere and they’ve improved as the season’s progressed.
“We are expecting a battle and nothing less. We definitely have the tools to do the job and we are in great form ourselves, we just need to ensure we are 100% focused.
“Our performances of late have been far more dominant than the scores suggest. Our team defending has been immense and we’re offering the opposition very little in the way of chances but we could sharpen up our efficiency in front of goal. For example, against Blackpool and Tranmere we had 80 shots on goal but somehow only came away with eight goals. With Chorley, we had five or so clear cut chances and only put two in so there’s definitely room for improvement here but if everything does fall into place we are capable of producing a memorable performance.”
“It’s nice to be back at the top but nothing’s been won yet and Hull won’t be throwing the towel in anytime soon so we have to do all we can to get these five wins and not slip up!”
“We’re reminding our players of this in every training session, just one slip up will let Hull back in it and give them tremendous hope so we have to continue to apply ourselves just as we have in the previous 14 games where we have been world class.
“In terms of what to expect from Crewe we’ve seen footage of how they play and they are a better side for me than what their league position suggests. Most teams of late have played 10-11 behind the ball against us either through design or through being pegged back but Crewe are in need of points to ensure their status in the league and so they might come at us and take risks which could make for an exciting game if that’s the case.
“One thing is for sure is that two great sides will be going head to head on Sunday and it should be a great advert for women’s football.”
Sunday’s game is away at Crewe Alexandra’s ground, The Cumberland Arena (CW1 2BD) and kick-off is 2pm
Words: Oliver Coultas | Photo: Alex Daniel
