Durham make the journey to St Andrew’s to face an in-form Birmingham City side this weekend – and midfielder Mollie Lambert is hoping the side can take the opportunity to build some momentum.
The Blues enter the clash fresh-off a 1-0 win at Sheffield United, with Eleanor Ryan-Doyle’s strike enough to claim the three points.
And the result was no less than the side deserved for a performance of two halves – with a dominant first half followed by a determined and disciplined second period to see out the win.
That showing followed an strong second half at Sunderland in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup – and it’s that level of performance that Lambert is keen to see the side maintain moving into the game at Birmingham.
“From the previous game, we needed it,” she said of the win against the Blades.
“We all said in the changing room that it was a must-win and the first half was brilliant.
“The second half we showed a different side to us, we defended really well and showed that determination that we wanted the three points.
“We got them and we deserved it, so it was brilliant.
“We said at the end of the Sunderland game that it [the second half performance] was the standard we set.
“We took that into the first half at Sheffield and we just need to build that momentum and take it into the Birmingham game.
“The mood has been good after the win and we want to take the standard we’ve set and the lessons we’ve learned into Sunday.”
Lambert once again played a key role in Durham’s attacking output in South Yorkshire, and was only denied a second goal in as many games by a stunning Fran Stenson stop in stoppage time.
But the midfielder is happy to see the goals being shared around at present.
“Personally, I would like to score more,” she admitted.
“I had to take my chance on Sunday and missed it, but all the attackers are scoring and there’s different goalscorers which is pleasing to see.”
At the other end, a third clean sheet of the season was a welcome plus too.
“That’s how we build – from the back,” said Lambert.
“If we keep a clean sheet it takes the pressure off the forwards to score.”
Birmingham will pose another stern test, with Darren Carter’s side currently on a four-game winning streak in the Barclays Women’s Championship.
But victory for Durham would see them pull level with their hosts on points, and would act as a real catalyst heading into a break in league fixtures.
And roaring the side on in the Midlands will be another strong contingent of travelling fans, who are once again set to hit the road after playing a key part in the win at Sheffield.
Their impact isn’t lost on Lambert.
“Everyone says it, but we have the best fans in the league,” she added.
“They follow us everywhere we go and it’s brilliant.
“They were out in their numbers at Sheffield and hopefully they are again this Sunday. They were louder than the Sheffield fans and they really do help us.”
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