Beth Hepple says Durham Women are excited ahead of their return to league action – but know the trip to Sunderland will be a tough test.
After sealing a Vitality Women’s FA Cup victory at Peterborough United last weekend, the Wildcats now return to the Barclays Women’s Championship against local rivals Sunderland on Sunday, January 15 (11:30am kick-off).
A bumper crowd is expected at Eppleton CW, with a large number of Durham fans set to make the short journey down the A690.
And we caught up with Beth Hepple ahead of the game:
Hepple on the Peterborough win…
“It was tough conditions last weekend and Peterborough made it difficult for us.
“But like we said after the game – we got the win and we just want to keep that momentum going.
“That break over Christmas probably came at a rubbish time for us because we did get a bit of momentum, but I think everything we’ve been working on is finally clicking.
“We’ve had a lot of changes at the club so it’s taken a while, so we’re ready this year to kick on.
Hepple on the River Wear Derby…
“A derby game is always exciting.
“It’s a big occasion in the North East – women’s football is massive up here.
“It’s going to be exciting, but it’s going to be tough, so we have to be ready for the challenge.
“Sunderland have got a depth of experience, young players and a good mix.
“It’s going to be tough, like every Championship game, and we expect nothing less from them.
“The first game of the season, they made our lives really difficult.
“We’ve been prepping hard this week and need to put it into practice.”
Hepple on the impact of the travelling support…
“It’s huge.
“I remember the game at Hetton last season and we had a lot of fans there, and it gives you a massive boost.
“We’re excited to see them on Sunday.”
Tickets for the game remain available via safc.com – but will not be available on the day of the game. CLICK HERE to get yours.
We’ll have live updates available via Twitter – @DurhamWFC.
