Chelsie Dawber believes Adelaide United Women are well rested heading into their clash against Melbourne Victory Women on Saturday night.
The Reds’ away clash against Newcastle Jets Women was postponed last weekend due to the heat and further compounded by the hazardous air quality from nearby bushfires.
However, Dawber felt that the break was largely beneficial rather than serve as a disadvantage.
“I feel like that having that extra week off has given us longer to prepare for this game,” the attacker explained.
“We’ve been able to sort out a few problems that we’ve had in the last few weeks.
“But I think in the long term it has been more beneficial and we have been able to get some extra minutes in some legs that need it and have some rest with the people that need that extra time as well.”
Despite United occupying last spot on the table, the 20-year-old said they have been more than competitive and believe there is still a lot to play for.
“I think as a team we all still have self-belief that we can win games and that we’re good enough to be in the top four,” she said.
“Whether that happens at the end of the season we won’t know, but we’ve matched every team each week.
“So we’ll continue to go into this week’s game not expecting to win but wanting to win and putting up a good fight and hopefully we’ll get the result.”
Victory, who are sitting in fifth place, have found form of late, winning their previous two matches.
Dawber anticipated another tough game against their rivals, based on past encounters.
“It’s always a tough game against Victory in the last few years that I’ve been with the Club,” she said.
“They’ve some good quality players, but I don’t think that will change anything and how we approach the game.
“We’ll go out there wanting to do our best and wanting to win.”
Dawber bagged her maiden Westfield W-League goal two weeks ago with a clinically taken finish against Perth Glory.
She admitted her delighted in notching her first goal and hoped to find the back of the net with regularity in the coming weeks.
“It was very exciting,” she continued.
“I was quite happy to score the goal. It makes me very hungry and wanting to score a few more this week and throughout the season.”
Adelaide United Women host Melbourne Victory Women in Round 10 of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 18 January at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Gates open at 6.00pm.
