The seventh-placed Blues host Sunderland at Solihull Moors in their final home game of the Women’s Super League with BT Sport season, knowing Bristol Academy are breathing down their necks.
Birmingham City v Sunderland
The FA WSL with BT Sport
2pm, Sunday 23 August 2015
Solihull Moors FC
By John Hunter
The club has arranged for free transport to ferry supporters from St. Andrews to the stadium and hope to attract a four-figure crowd, just as they did for last month’s visit of Arsenal.
Supporters also turned out in their numbers to see Birmingham pick up their first win of the WSL 1 season against champions Liverpool and Harrop is hoping for a similar effect against title-chasing Sunderland.
"It’s a massive boost to have a crowd behind you," said Harrop, who came through Birmingham’s centre of excellence.
"Last time we had a big crowd and it brought the best out in us. I’m sure the fans will want to come and see Sunderland too, who are right up there at the top.
"It’s a challenge for us and for them. They will be up for the fight, for them it’s a different kind of fight, but the points are important to them just the same.
"I’m sure it will be a really intriguing game, we lost to them 3-0 the last time we played, so we will be looking for a bit of revenge.
"They have strength all over the pitch. Beth Mead, in particular, is the one to stop. She is having a great year in front of goal and, as a centre-back, I’ll be going up against her, so it’s a great challenge for me.
"We’ll have a plan, but we need to concentrate on our performance as well and how we can put that into practice."
While Birmingham harbour fears of an eighth-place finish, Sunderland’s attention is on matters at the top end of the table.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in WSL 1 since April and go into the weekend just a point behind league leaders Chelsea.
Sunderland are chasing three points to help with their title challenge
They are also the division’s top scorers, thanks largely to Beth Mead’s 11-goal haul.
And midfielder Brooke Chaplen wants to keep the momentum going as we head toward the business end of the season.
"We want to put ourselves in the best possible position ahead of the last few games," said the 26-year-old.
"Every team is capable of beating one another, so we will respect Birmingham, we know they could be dangerous on the counter attack, so that is something we need to be aware of.
"This is perhaps one of the most vital games we have left, because we need to put the points on the board. Then, with the position we are in, the last four become important because everyone still has to play each other and someone will drop points.
"But the first thing we have to do is go to Birmingham and put in a solid team performance."
