Adelaide United defender, Emily Hodgson, believes a win over Canberra United will go a long way to securing a maiden finals berth.
The Reds currently lie in fourth place on the table but a victory on Sunday will lift them into second place with three home matches to finish the Westfield W-League 2018/19 regular season.
Adelaide prevailed 2-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign at Coopers Stadium, but Hodgson expects Canberra to be very strong at McKellar Park.
That is despite Canberra winless in their past four matches, dropping to seventh spot in the standings.
“I definitely think it’s going to be a tough game seeing it’s at their home ground,” Hodgson said, with Canberra unbeaten in the nation’s capital this season.
“But we’re confident going into the game as well since we won last time we played them.”
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Hodgson said the Reds just needed to play their natural game.
“I think we just need to keep playing how we’ve been playing,” she said.
“And just alter maybe a few little things but I think we’re playing pretty well at the moment and just continuing that I think we’ll get the win hopefully.
“… I think a win against Canberra would really set us up well for the end of the season.”
To begin the New Year, Adelaide spent some time on the Gold Coast due to a bye, playing two friendly matches against the China national team.
Hodgson said it was a fantastic opportunity to learn and test themselves against a serious contender for the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year in France.
“It was a really good experience and I think it was good to get away as a team and just have some fan as well as playing some friendly games,” she explained.
“The games were pretty tough because China were a really good side, but I think we learned some stuff from it and it was just a good experience for everyone to have played a team at that level.”
The 18-year-old also discussed her own form this season after cementing a place at right-back this season.
“I think I’ve been doing pretty well but I wouldn’t be there without the support from my teammates,” she said.
“It’s always good I feel like you can play better when you’ve got the support from your teammates.
“And the vibe around the team is really positive at the moment so I think that helps with confidence and everything as well.”
Adelaide United Women face Canberra United Women in Round 11 of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 13 January at McKellar Park. Kick-off is at 3.30pm ACDT. Streamed live on the My Football Live App.
