Ahead of both the UEFA Women’s Champions League and domestic campaigns, the Bluebirds have been working hard in pre-season.
Iain Darbyshire’s side have challenged themselves against quality opposition in order to prepare for the test of facing Dutch champions FC Twente on Wednesday, September 4th.
There have also been new additions to the squad, with Nieve Jenkins, Laura Curnock and Fiona Barry joining, along with the return of Shannon Evans and Lily Billingham.
Pre-season began with an impressive victory over Plymouth Argyle, who compete in the FA Women’s National League Premier Division South, the third tier of the English football pyramid.
Striker Madison Lloyd netted the first goal of pre-season, before Hollie Smith headed home the second. Summer recruit Barry got her first City goal from the penalty spot, with fellow attacker Eliza Collie netting a brace in the second half.
Two 60-minute matches against Bristol Rovers followed for the Bluebirds, with Darbyshire’s side claiming a 3-1 victory in the first. An own-goal, along with strikes from Barry and Lloyd saw City net three in the opening hour.
The second match provided a great opportunity for our U19s squad to learn ahead of their campaign. Despite falling to defeat, Tom Stiley’s players gained invaluable experience.
Mid-way through pre-season, City challenged a number of talented sides in order to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Loughborough Lightning, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley all provided stern tests, with the Bluebirds continuing to develop and prepare as a side.
In our most recent pre-season matches, Darbyshire’s side were back to winning ways, gaining a 2-1 victory away at Moneyfields.
Barry continued her goalscoring form, with Price also on the scoresheet for City.
This past Sunday, the Bluebirds hosted Limerick WSSL and produced a fine performance to record an 11-0 win.
The clash against the Irish side was our final match ahead of taking on FC Twente, with Barry, Billingham, Price, Collie, Mikayla Cook, Georgina Bull and Kerry Walklett on the scoresheet.
Ahead of our European campaign, read all the details of our tie against FC Twente here!