London City Lionesses head coach Lisa Fallon has admitted that she is expecting a really tough match against Durham at Maiden Castle this weekend.
The Wildcats are one of the longest-serving clubs in the second tier while manager Lee Sanders also has arguably the most settled side in the division with just two new faces having been added to his group over the summer.
Durham have started the campaign by collecting four points from two matches which has included a 1-1 draw in difficult circumstances at Liverpool on opening day. Sanders’ side were 1-0 down with just 10-players before showing real spirit to level matters late in the game.
Speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time about the Durham fixture earlier today, London City Lionesses boss Fallon admitted that she is expecting a real battle for her side in the North East.
“We know that they are a well-connected physical team but they can play” said Fallon.
“We will give them respect but we will go there with our game plan and will be aiming to try and win it.
“It is going to be a difficult game, they are a well-established side, a very settled team and there is a lot of consistency there.
“They did very well last year, they finished above us in the division and there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a really tough game.
“We have worked really hard in training this week and by the time the whistle goes on Sunday, we will be ready.”
Only Coventry United who have played just the one game so far this season, have a 100% record from the opening weeks of the new campaign. All other teams have dropped at least two points and Fallon believes that this trend could continue throughout the season in what is arguably the most competitive FA Women’s Championship in history.
She added “It is a seriously competitive division this year and we all know that.
“Teams have taken points off each other already and that is going to be the nature of this division this season, that’s what we thought coming into the season and I have seen nothing in the opening two rounds to suggest otherwise.
“It is going to be really competitive. There won’t be any easy games, you are going to have to be ready and have your sleeves rolled up, the work done, the preparation done and be absolutely 100% on it for every single game this season.”
After being defeated 4-1 by Sheffield United at Princes Park on opening day, The Pride picked up their first point of the new season at Crystal Palace last time out. In total, 66% of London City Lionesses’ points accrued in 2019/2020 came on their travels and Fallon’s side should make the trip up to Maiden Castle with plenty of confidence given their away record.
London City Lionesses’ fixture at Durham is scheduled to kick-off at midday on Sunday and will be screened live on the FA Player.
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