We talk to...Annie Ward (Barnsley)

Barnsley have got off to a good start to the new season and will be in the League Cup following their 4-2 victory over Northern Premier Division side West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

We talked to Barnsley defender Annie Ward, who was full of praise for her team mates for their win over higher division opponents and is hoping to be among the contenders in Division One North this season:

WSS: That was a great result for you against a team from a higher division, how well did your team have to play on the day?

AW: It was a great result for the team who had to work hard for the result. We had a game plan and everybody executed it, although we have performed better in other games.

WSS: Was it a nervous last few minutes when Albion pulled one back late on, and how much of a relief was it when Sophie Bell scored the fourth goal in injury time?

AW: West Brom were applying the pressure towards the end of the game and started to knock on the door. We dug deep and everybody kept focused until the end. Sophie Bell’s goal took the pressure off and we knew we were over the line at that point.

WSS: At the time of asking, the draw for the next round has not yet been made, but would you prefer to be at home?

AW: Of course, I think any team would always prefer to play at home and we are excited for the next round.

WSS: Do you see the League Cup as an opportunity to perhaps have a good run, after all, Crawley Wasps from Division One got to the final last season?

AW: Yeah, it would be fantastic to have a good cup run and get further than we did in last year's Plate competition. We know what this squad is capable of and look forward to challenging ourselves against other teams.

WSS: This week it's back to the league and two home matches in four days against Stockport County and Brighouse Town, what are your thoughts about those two games?

AW: We know that both games will be tough. Stockport are new to the league and Brighouse will be challenging for promotion, so both present their own challenges. The squad will prepare properly for both games in the coming week.

WSS: Last season, your team did very well and eventually finished in fourth place, do you feel that you are ready to be serious promotion contenders this time around?

AW: We know what this group is capable of and how hard we have to work to achieve our targets for this season. We have a fantastic squad and have strengthened areas of weakness. There is also a brilliant team spirit within the group which will also be invaluable throughout the season.

WSS: Who do you think will be amongst the favourites in your division this season?

AW: There are several strong sides within the league such as Brighouse and Liverpool Feds etc. which will make for a very exciting season.

WSS: Barnsley have made great progress in the last two seasons, is this a club that you feel is capable of going places over the next few years?

AW: I think with the current team and management, the club is capable of great things. Everybody knows we have to work hard every week and keep pushing to be better. The sky is always the limit!

Our thanks to Annie!

Issue no. 2 - 29 August 2019

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