Brighton & Hove Albion women head coach John Donoghue says his players should look forward to taking on title-chasing Gillingham at Withdean this Sunday, 2pm kick-off.
It will be Albion’s last match of the season and Donoghue is expecting a very tough test from the current league leaders.
He told seagulls.co.uk, “Sunday will be the culmination of a hard season for us, but we’re looking forward to facing a team which are favourites for the league.“They have the blueprint for a title-winning team. They’re a good footballing side, pass the ball well in midfield and are solid defensively.
“The goalkeeper is also very good and they have players who can score goals from a variety of positions.”
Despite Gillingham’s qualities, Donoghue is encouraging his players to be relaxed and enjoy the occasion.
“Even when we played Gillingham the second time (Albion lost 3-0), we felt we were a lot closer to them.
"There’s not been a dramatic difference between us or any of the other teams in this league, with the only difference being that some of the players we have faced are more used to playing at this level.
“Every time we play with relaxation and a bit more calmness, we play really well and make a really close game of it.
“When we look a bit anxious then we tend to invite more pressure on. I would also be looking for a bit of aggression in our game, because as a sportsperson you should want to play against the best players and the best teams.
“You have to be positive and be eager to get on the pitch and play.”
Albion have a number of injury concerns going into the game, as Cally Beaumont, Kirsty Barton and Rebecca Thompson-Agbro all missed Tuesday’s training session with illness.
Charley Boswell (hamstring) and Charlie Carter (ankle) are also doubts, while Toni-Anne Wayne is unavailable.
There is free entry for all season-ticket holders and children under-16, while entry for non-season ticket holders is £2.
Original article
It will be Albion’s last match of the season and Donoghue is expecting a very tough test from the current league leaders.
He told seagulls.co.uk, “Sunday will be the culmination of a hard season for us, but we’re looking forward to facing a team which are favourites for the league.“They have the blueprint for a title-winning team. They’re a good footballing side, pass the ball well in midfield and are solid defensively.
“The goalkeeper is also very good and they have players who can score goals from a variety of positions.”
Despite Gillingham’s qualities, Donoghue is encouraging his players to be relaxed and enjoy the occasion.
“Even when we played Gillingham the second time (Albion lost 3-0), we felt we were a lot closer to them.
"There’s not been a dramatic difference between us or any of the other teams in this league, with the only difference being that some of the players we have faced are more used to playing at this level.
“Every time we play with relaxation and a bit more calmness, we play really well and make a really close game of it.
“When we look a bit anxious then we tend to invite more pressure on. I would also be looking for a bit of aggression in our game, because as a sportsperson you should want to play against the best players and the best teams.
“You have to be positive and be eager to get on the pitch and play.”
Albion have a number of injury concerns going into the game, as Cally Beaumont, Kirsty Barton and Rebecca Thompson-Agbro all missed Tuesday’s training session with illness.
Charley Boswell (hamstring) and Charlie Carter (ankle) are also doubts, while Toni-Anne Wayne is unavailable.
There is free entry for all season-ticket holders and children under-16, while entry for non-season ticket holders is £2.
Original article