Lauren Briggs says Durham Women won’t be wrapped up in Derby Day hype this weekend – and will instead focus on controlling the controllables.
The Blues head to Eppleton CW to face Sunderland in a highly-anticipated fixture, with plenty at stake for both sides.
And while a strong crowd is expected – including a large travelling contingent from Durham – Briggs says the focus will purely be on the football.
Here’s what she had to say ahead of the clash:
Briggs on moving on from Charlton…
“We’ve came together and reflect on the game as a collective and it’s fine-tuning those small details; those small little one per cents that we feel we can add to our game.
“There were large spells where we dominated the game. They’re fighting for the top of the league and we really tested them.
“We have to be realistic and fine-tune those details where we were second best, but we’ve reflected and there’s a lot of positives to take into the Sunderland game.”
Briggs on the game with Sunderland…
“Each and every game in this league is competitive.
“I think it’s important that we prepare no differently to how we would in any other game.
“We know there’s going to be a big atmosphere, but at the same time we have to prepare as we would for any other game.
“Of course it’s about those three points, but we want to put on a good performance.
“We’ll focus and concentrate on what we can control and that’s really important – to take the emotion out of it and concentrate on our playing playing ability.
“There’s always going to be a lot of attention before we step over that line, but as soon as we do that it’s down to business.”
Briggs on the importance of our away support…
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they’re absolutely huge in pushing us over the line and getting us three points.
“There will be times in the game where we really need them, so we’re really looking forward to seeing them down there.
“It’s a huge game for us – but we’ll control what we can and hopefully the fans will support us.”
