Guiseley Vixens face another cup challenge this Sunday as they travel to Basford United to face Nottingham Forest Ladies in the FAWPL Cup.
After the last fixture between the two was abandoned due to injury, we got the thoughts of manager Glen Preston ahead of this one.
Glen it’s another week and another cup, this time the league against Nottingham Forest. How are you feeling about it in the run-up?
“We are really looking forward to this game providing the weather doesn’t intervene.
“Last week versus Fylde we put out what was probably the youngest side Guiseley have ever put out on a pitch, I think we had six or seven teenagers in the side and so for us to control the game off the ball as well as we did, provoke as many mistakes and create countless counter attacking scenarios was really pleasing and we want to build on that if we can.
“We’ve said from day one we would play our development talent in the cup games like we did last year and we’ve been true to that promise, so if our youngsters can step up and compete against the likes of Fylde maybe this week we can go one better”
It’s the second round this Sunday and last time, you played Huddersfield in what could be seen as your best game this season. Are you hoping for more of the same?
“That goes without saying. We would like to win and book a place in the next round but it’s never that easy. Against Huddersfield our second half performance showed exactly what we are capable of as a team. We are good enough to beat anyone in our league on our day but above all else we just want to see a controlled, disciplined and entertaining performance this weekend.
“If we get the performance right we are confident the result will look after itself and we believe we can progress if we play at our best.”
Two weeks ago, you played Forest in the league but the game had to be abandoned due to an horrific injury. Do you see that having any impact on the game at all?
“Hopefully not, it wasn’t pleasant for either side and more so for Sammy Conroy, the player involved. In football players get injured all the time its part and parcel of contact sport but you don’t wish anything serious on anyone. Sammy is recovering well and we wish her all the best for a speedy return to the game but hopefully both sides will be able to get down to business as normal and compete in what we hope is a fantastic sceptical.”
Finally, what does the squad look like coming into the game?
“It’s another young squad that we will be taking to Forest but as we saw last week that by no means a weak side.
“We are without a fair few talented first team players such as Nikki Berko, Lauren Griffiths, Chan O’Hara, Natalie Brace, Charlie Blythe and a few others but that always opens doors for others to shine.
“We’re expecting the likes of new signing Maria Ledezma to make her debut who we think is a very exciting player, Jess Heald is likely to return from injury, sixteen-year-old Poppy Saffrey will be in contention to make her first start for the club and new youngster Georgia Ibberson will be named in the squad for the first time. It’s a young team but it’s also a very talented one and we’re looking forward to it!”
Kick-off is at 3PM at Basford United FC and full match updates can be found on Twitter.
