Watford will be hoping to secure their first victory of the season as they host Aston Villa on Saturday, in a battle of seventh and eighth in the Super League 2.
The Hornets suffered an unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Oxford United in their first ever Women’s Super League contest, before facing a 6-0 thrashing from Chelsea just three days later in the FA Cup. However, they will hope to bounce back against the Villains, having already sold over 900 tickets for the affair.
Despite falling to a 2-1 defeat on home soil against Everton in their opening league fixture, Villa were able to compose themselves for their 2-0 victory over Sheffield in the FA Cup on Sunday. And visiting manager Joe Hunt now believes that although the contest will be tough for both sides, his side are not feeling the pressure.
“Not only are we playing at a fantastic football stadium but it’s another game to test how far we have come,” he commented on the club’s website.
“Watford away at Vicarage Road will be a huge test for us. Watford are an excellent team with a brilliant manager. John knows the ladies game inside out and will prepare his team for the day.
“We don’t have any pressure on us for the game, nobody will be looking at what we do. With the Watford men’s team second in the Championship, the Watford fans are used to seeing their team win with a certain style.
“The Watford ladies have a lot to live up to and will make it exceptionally hard for us. It’s a traditional English stadium and we’re honoured to get the opportunity to play there.
Clashing at Vicarage Road, the home of the Watford men’s team, the two sides enjoyed close encounters last season, with Aston Villa edging the bragging rights with a 1-0 home victory after a 1-1 draw earlier in the season. Katie Wilkinson netted a late winner to hand her side the edge, and the 17-year-old will be hoping to make the difference once again.
Laura Cooper will also be aspiring to help the claret and blues overcome the sting of the Hornets, having recently completed her switch from Derby County. Hunt commented on his latest arrival into the team, saying:
“Laura is another from our centre of excellence who has returned from a spell at Derby County. Laura has great technique along with a desire to play top level football.
“She can play numerous positions but her best and favourite position is right-back. We now have competition for that spot, something we haven’t had all pre-season.
A win for either side could see them climb top of the table on goal difference.
