Source: Coventry MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
Carry On Where We Left Off - Nicholls
City Ladies Boss On This Sunday's game Craig Nicholls has urged Coventry City Ladies to carry their form on from where they left off, as they prepare to take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. The Sky Blues went unbeaten in five of their last six league games at the back end of the last season, en route to finishing fifth in the FA Women's Premier League. They then kicked off the current campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Lewes at the Ricoh Arena, followed by a one-week rest, due to the odd number of teams in the league. “It's very important to get a good start,” Nicholls admitted. “Every team will say the same but when you have such a competitive league it's difficult. The start of the season is always up and down due players on holiday and others needing time to bed in.” The newly-appointed boss, who missed the opening day victory through holiday commitments added: “I'm really looking forward to it. It's been a long time coming. Everyone is feeling very positive after our first game so it should be another exciting day and hopefully we can get another three points on the board.” Coventry clinched the points a fortnight ago through goals from Helen Dermody and Destiny Toussaint, and given their recent league and cup pedigree, will be considered one of the favourites for the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division title this season. The change in league structure means that Coventry have experience of playing just three teams: Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth, in league competition in recent years. However, Nicholls is not getting carried away with the tag of early-season favourites, and fully expects his squad to be “sensible” in their approach to matches this season. “As a team we will just focus on each game as it comes. We know the expectation surrounding us and what people on the outside may think we will achieve, but we need to be sensible and relaxed. “Our aim is to be competitive in every game we play, whether it is in the Premier League Southern Division or either of the cup competitions. If we are in a Final of a cup and challenging for the title towards the end of next season, then pressure will obviously grow, but we will deal with the expectation as a group and all push in the same direction.” The FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division fixture takes place at the Bedworth Oval this Sunday, and will kick off at 2pm.
