Bristol Academy WFC

7 August 2011

Much more to come from this group

After claiming their second consecutive away win at Doncaster on Saturday Bristol Academy manager Mark Sampson spoke to www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk about his feelings on the teams win.

The win takes the Vixens to within two points of fourth placed Chelsea and six behind next week’s opponents Everton.

“Away wins in the WSL are extremely difficult to achieve so we are very happy we have managed consecutive away wins and extended our unbeaten run on the road to three months. Both these facts are clear signs the group is growing and developing a very strong winning mentality, we can take huge confidence from our recent performances. I have huge respect for Doncaster as a football club they are always very well organised and make the Keepmoat a very tough environment to go and win, we knew to win today we would have to be strong in every area of the pitch so I was delighted we showed that strength throughout the match to come away with an important win. We have been away from home and had the confidence to be ourselves which is the most pleasing aspect of the performance.

“Jemma’s goal was an incredible strike, she has moved to another level this season with every aspect of her game and for her to show the confidence to step up and hit it from that distance shows how far she has come. She strikes the ball so well and her technique on that shot was a joy to watch.”

After two defeats to start the second half of the season two wins on the bounce have moved Bristol back up to fifth place in the WSL table and they now host Everton in their last home league game of the season on Saturday. But the Vixens manager is keen to stress with more belief there is more to come from his team.

“There is so much more to come from this group, now slowly the players are gaining the belief they need to express their talent on the pitch. It has already been a long journey for this group but they are starting to believe now more and more in their talent, with this self belief will come a freedom that will allow them to show every aspect of their ability. We have improved with every game this season which is great credit to the players but there is so much more potential to be unlocked. What level of performance this group can reach is down to the belief the players have in their talent, everyone at the club, the staff, the supporters believe in this team, you can see at our home matches the passion the supporters have for this team, they believe. If the players can take this belief in to their performance there will be so much more to come."

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