Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.1 2022-23

It has been a good start overall to the new season for
Stourbridge as they make their bow in the FA Women’s
National League after winning the West Midlands League title.
Last Sunday, they claimed their third straight victory
when winning 2-1 away to fellow newly promoted side
Northampton Town, and this has taken them into second
place in the fledgling table.
Glassgirls midfielder and captain Amber Lawrence told
us that the victory over Northampton had been a hard earned
one, and that the players have had to learn quickly and
adapted well since their opening match at Sheffield:
WSS: Well done on the win last Sunday, was it as
close a game as the scoreline suggests?
AL: Sunday was a prime example of one of those games you
just have to battle for the full 90 minutes. Full credit to
Northampton who made us work for it, because I don't
believe any team in this league will find it easy going there.
But we got the three points and that's what matters.
WSS: Were there any nervous or anxious moments late on when you were one
goal ahead?
AL: During the closing ten minutes things were getting heated, the whistle was blowing left,
right and centre. You could see players were getting frustrated. It was an intense game;
Northampton are a hard-working side.
WSS: It was a good day for Niamh Deasy as she scored both goals, she has
started the season in good form?
AL: She's been fantastic – I've known Niamh for a long time and had the pleasure of playing
with her at Burton Albion. I think she's really found her feet quickly in this league and full
credit to her. We've adapted some things after the first result and both Niamh and Mil Rogers
are thriving from it, there's a real buzz about the front three. For her to get the number of
goals she has so early on is fantastic, a real message to anyone who doubted her ability to
score in this league.
WSS: After a defeat in your first game, the team has bounced back well with
three straight wins. How pleasing has it been to have made a good start after
stepping up a level?
AL: I think Sheffield was a huge learning curve for us all, staff included. Truth is, we don't
know how to lose. If you look at the stats over the last few seasons you will see why. However,
we couldn't have asked for more from the girls in terms of their response. We didn't dwell on
it, we just put a bigger shift in on the training pitch and gave it our all. Ultimately, due to
COVID we missed out on promotions, so we were more than prepared when it came to our
opponents. This year is completely different and no matter how much homework you do on
your opposition, it all boils down to what happens on the day and who wants it more. The
most important thing for us is that we stay grounded, focused, and continue to lift each other.
It's been a real eye opener for a lot of us playing three times in a week, most of the squad work
full time and have families but I think the depth and strength of the squad carries us for sure.
WSS: This week you will be playing Peterborough United, who have made a
similar start to yourselves with three straight wins after an opening day defeat.
What sort of game are you expecting against them?
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