Notts County defender Sophie Bradley insists her team-mates will take a fearless attitude into their clash with Chelsea on Sunday as their FA Women’s Super League 1 season begins with a bang at Meadow Lane.
The Blues missed out on the title on the final day of last season, but have strengthened their squad with a plethora of new signings during the close season in a bid to go one better.
They will face stubborn opposition in the Lady Pies, however, who boasted the meanest defence in the division last term – conceding just eight goals in 14 games.
Notts County v Chelsea
FA Women's Super League with BT Sport 1
5pm, Sunday 29 March
Meadow Lane
England international Bradley was part of that formidable back-line and though she will be sidelined on Sunday with a knee injury, the 25-year-old anticipates her team can get off to a good start.
“Chelsea are a good all-round team, they are strong at the back but they like to play football as well,” said Bradley.
“We managed to get a win at their place last season and I think that was a bit of a turning point in our year. We will respect them, but we certainly won’t be fearing them.
“Chelsea did really well last year and were probably quite unfortunate not to win the league. They are a great team to start the season against because it is such a tough challenge for us to face, but everyone is really looking forward to it.
“Rachel Williams and Laura Bassett have just signed for us from Chelsea, so they will be out there trying to prove a point as well.
“Things like that always add a bit of spice if you’ve just moved from somewhere, but they will have their heads down and be focusing on the game and getting a result.
“It will be both of their league debuts for Notts County as well, so they will want to get started positively with us.”
Among the new Chelsea contingent is Niamh Fahey, a four-time league champion with Arsenal.
The Blues have already begun their push for silverware this season, beating Watford Ladies 6-0 at home last time out to reach the FA Women’s Cup quarter-finals – a hat-trick from new signing Marija Banusic the highlight.
But it is away from Staines Town that Chelsea stumbled last season – defeats at Sunday’s opponents Notts County and Manchester City on the final day proving costly.
And 27-year-old Fahey believes that is an area her new club must improve upon, starting immediately.
“Notts County away is a very difficult game, they have added a lot to their side so it’s going to be a tough test,” said the Ireland defender.
“I think one of the things the team needs to work on from last season is their away form, so we’re looking to get off on the right foot when we travel there.
“There are definitely areas of their game that we will be looking to capitalise on, but we’re keeping our cards close to our chest at the moment.
“I just can’t wait to get out there, I’m really excited to get the season started.”
Watch an FA Women’s Super League match near you: http://www.ticketstores.co.uk/fawsl
