LAUREN Haynes is calling on Oxford United to build on their renewed confidence against Cardiff City Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round tomorrow, writes JAMES ROBERTS.
The U’s beat Aston Villa Ladies 3-1 in FA Women’s Super League 2 last weekend to end a run of six successive defeats in all competitions.
Haynes has seen the team’s self-belief increase since then.
And the United captain knows it could make a difference in the Welsh capital.
She said: “We were in a tough spell before Christmas, but after the Villa game the confidence in the team has gone up massively.
“It was a huge boost and now the will and desire is back in the team.”
Cardiff are ninth in FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division – one tier below the U’s.
The visitors enter Sunday’s game as favourites, but Haynes insists they will not be approaching the game differently as a result.
She said: “They’re not having the best time, but even though Cardiff are underdogs it will be a difficult game.
“Some of our players played for them recently, so we know some details about them.”
A victory for the U’s would see them reach the fifth round for the first time since 2012/13 when they were beaten by Everton.
Haynes is wary of the dangers of looking too far ahead.
But knows the unpredictability of the Cup could work in United’s favour.
She said: “Complacency is not going to get to us – we take each game as it comes.
“But if you get a good run of draws anything can happen.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here