Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.26 2022-23

Oxford United have been up amongst the front runners in the
FAWNL Southern Premier Division since the start of the
campaign and Sunday’s 2-0 win against Plymouth Argyle
leaves them two points off the pace, with a crucial match
against leaders Ipswich Town this week.
Leading scorer Carly Johns has had a magnificent season
to date for the U’s and she told us that Plymouth had not made
things easy for them on Sunday and, looking ahead, that the
teams is working hard and ready for their top of the table
clash:
WSS: Another important win for you on Sunday
against potentially tricky opponents, how was the
team's performance on the day?
CJ: It was a very good win on Sunday against Plymouth,
they made it hard for us to break them down, it wasn’t our
best performance but all that matters at this stage is that we
got the three points and a clean sheet.
WSS: That was your fifth win on the trot in the
league since the setback at Cheltenham, is morale
and confidence amongst the team as high as it has
ever been?
CJ: Confidence is very high at the moment and we can see
that in training, the staff and players give you a lot of trust which also gives you confidence
going into games.
WSS: The win against Plymouth also made it 30 matches unbeaten at home,
how proud are you of that record?
CJ: 30 matches unbeaten at home is an extremely impressive record, we are definitely
proud of this and will look to extend that to 31 games with our last game of the season at
home to Gillingham.
WSS: There have been a number of changes to the squad since you finished
second last season, do you feel that it has been stronger this time around?
CJ: I feel like the team is stronger this time round, Liam [Gilbert] and the coaching staff
have done really well at bringing players in who fit our style of play and slot straight into
the team. They work hard and bring a lot more competition into the squad.
WSS: This week it is a vitally important match away to leaders Ipswich Town,
with top spot on offer if you win. Presumably this will be the biggest match of
the season so far?
CJ: This weekend is 100% the biggest game so far this season, with it being so late on and
vital points up for grabs. Us girls have been working so hard this week in training and
know we have to put in one of our best performances yet, so we’re looking forward to it.
WSS: Looking at the wider picture, four teams are still in the running for the
league title. Has it been a stronger division overall this season?
CJ: The competition has been a lot higher this season, and I think its going to get
continuously harder each season. I believe that any team can cause an upset to anyone this
season which necessarily hasn’t really been the case in previous seasons.
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