Birmingham City ready to ‘role up their sleeves’ for West Ham United clash says Ward

Birmingham City head coach Carla Ward is ready for her side to ‘role up their sleeves’ as they travel to East London to take on West Ham United on Wednesday night.

The Blues will look to record their first victory since November and in-turn, take a step further away from the relegation zone.

In Birmingham City’s pre-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Ward again expressed her disappointment following the referee’s decision early in the Everton game last week which could have changed the outcome of the game.

Ward commented by saying “We were disappointed with what happened before the game and also disappointed when they (Everton) weren’t reduced down to 10 players after 15 minutes.

“Anyone that understands the game knew that it was probably the most obvious red card incident you’ll see all season.

“We had to react and we didn’t react the way we would have wanted to, so it has been addressed and we’ll move on from it.”

On paper, the upcoming fixture against bottom side West Ham United looks to be a winnable one for Ward’s side but the Blues boss knows that the game will be no easier than any of her side’s previous matches.

“We want to go there and win the game, we’ve prepared well and the girls are in good spirits” she said.

“I’d like to think we have zoned in on where we want to improve, and I’ve made it clear to the girls we have to go there to get the win and that’s number one priority.

“If we don’t pick up points this week, we potentially go into a position that no one wants to be in, so I think tomorrow is massively important and I’m looking forward to it.”

As the business end of the season approaches, the next eight games are crucial for Ward’s side if they are to retain their place in next season’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League and prevent relegation.

Ward said “I’ve never maintained that we are safe, there is a magic number that we are trying to achieve, if we win tomorrow night I’d like to think we are nearer to it.

“We’re not safe yet, and there’s lots of club’s in the mix for relegation. We’re in it with the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Bristol City and West Ham.

“We’re all looking at each other and it’s exciting, and anyone that knows me knows that I love the pressure.

“We had an honest meeting on Saturday morning which was powerful. We know we are tight and that the group is in good spirits, so we’ll roll our sleeves up and we will be ready for the game against West Ham.”

Birmingham City’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United kicks-off at 7.30pm on Wednesday evening and will be available for fans to stream live on the FA Player.