Sarah Robson says Durham Women are determined to secure a maiden win of 2024 – to repay the loyal support of their home fans.
The Blues welcome Watford to Maiden Castle on Sunday, January 28 (12pm kick-off) looking to build on a point at Lewes in their last outing.
A late leveller earned Durham a share of the spoils in that game, with Robson praising the spirit shown to keep battling in challenging conditions.
“We showed great character to come from behind,” she said.
“The wind ruined the game and it was very even, so a draw was probably worthwhile for both teams as there was nothing in it.
“We’re happy that we got the draw in the end, but we need to pick up the performances and try and get three points next weekend.”
A draw was also the result when Durham last faced Watford – in a meeting that came on the opening day of the season.
The Hornets impressed that day and Robson knows another stern test is in store this weekend.
“They’re one of the best teams we’ve played this season,” she admitted.
“They kept the ball really well and they created some clear chances where we had to make big blocks and good saves.
“That’s another game where we were probably happy with a draw afterwards.
“We take nothing lightly and we just have to put on.”
The clash is Durham’s first home league game of 2024, with another strong crowd expected after a record-breaking attendance against Manchester City a fortnight ago.
And the Northern Ireland international is hoping that the side can repay that fantastic support.
“We love playing at home on our pitch and with our fans,” said Robson.
“It’s hard for any team to come here – even when Manchester City came here it was tough for them.
“We saw what they did in the WSL the week after and it just shows what we can do at home.
“We hear the fans from the first whistle to the last and as soon as we come out the tunnel,” she continued.
“They can be intimidating to other teams but to us they’re really encouraging and we want to do it for them and get the points because they come in their droves every week.
“We want to keep them happy so they keep coming back.”
Away from the pitch, Robson was recently crowned as the North East Football Writers’ Player of the Year for 2023.
It’s the third successive year in which the centre back has scooped the prize, but the significance of the win isn’t fading.
“I think this year I was more excited and more honoured,” she said.
“I’ve been really privileged to win it before and I know it’s a massive thing in the North East.
“To win it for the third time, I was really happy and really proud.
“I think it shows how consistent I’ve been as a player over the last three years.
“It’s nice for the girls I’m coaching in the academy at the minute to see and when they’re congratulating me I’m telling them that it could be them that’s taking the trophy off me and winning it one, two, three times in a row.
“It helps inspire and it’s good for young players in the North East to see.”
The award tops-off a fine 2023 for Robson, who enjoyed success at domestic and international level.
“It’s been another incredible year.
“The last three years of my career have been incredible – the first year I won it, Northern Ireland made the play-offs for the Euros; the second year we actually went to the Euros; and this year I got my 100th cap.
“Who knows what 2024 has in store!”
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