Match Preview

Lincoln United will travel to face Leicester City LFC in their first EMWRL Premier Division game of the year.

Leicester City sit at the bottom of the table, yet to take a point from their eight games played. ‘The Whites’ have an opportunity to move up the table this week, with a win putting them in striking distance of those who have played more games.

Speaking on United’s progress in the league, manager Chris Funnell said: “Aside from the defeat, they’ve done everything that I wanted. It’s more competitive than it has been in previous years – we have one team that doesn’t seem like they’ll drop points to anybody else.

“As long as we’re consistent, it could come down to a shootout with a couple of games. We need to turn up week in, week out, ready to put in the performances that we know we can do.”

‘The Whites’ are coming off a 3-1 loss to local rivals Lincoln City. Throughout the season, United have typically bounced back with some of their best performances after their two losses.

“After Chesterfield we went on an eight-game winning run. West Brom, we went there not as favourites, went on a four-match winning run.
“We have the schedule for the rest of the season and it’s gruelling. If we want to have the prizes that we want at the end of the year, we have to put together a really good run and that starts on Sunday.”

‘The Whites’ are missing a few key players, including captain Katie Davison – who suffered a knock on Sunday. They will be evaluating centre back Chloe Brock-Taylor, who was at the end of a dangerous tackle Sunday.

Frankie Wilson, who has missed a few games will also be evaluated ahead of the game, with Funnell taking a longer view over her health. “It was a really tough decision to not include Frankie on Sunday. Naturally her athleticism and the quality she possesses would’ve made her a key asset.
“We didn’t want to risk something for one game when we have 13 league games to play between now and May.”
Lauren Carter, who missed last game due to COVID, will return to the squad this week.

Due to the injuries, ‘The Whites’ find themselves short at the centre back position. This had led to the manager calling up defender Megan Long from the development team.

Focus firmly now back to the league and this Sunday's game, KO at 2pm.

Match Preview by Luther Odame