Adelaide United Women will be looking to secure their first points of the season when they face reigning champions Sydney FC Women for the second time this year on Sunday.
The Reds became the first team in competition history to lose five straight games by a single goal after their 2-1 loss to Canberra United Women, compounding what has so far been a frustrating season.
Despite the five straight defeats, they have been more than competitive in each game, with a combination of profligacy and a bit of luck deserting them.
Grant said if they can start to convert more of the plethora of chances they have been creating then things will improve.
“I think that’s something that we’ll look to work on is just being more confident in front of goal and finishing those opportunities because we’ve been playing really well,” Grant said.
The 18-year-old said the team remains upbeat, regardless of their ladder and still harbours optimism for the rest of the campaign.
“We’re not going to give up and we’re going to stay positive and look to get that win and build that confidence,” she insisted.
“Hopefully if we do get those wins we do have a chance of getting into the finals.”
The Sky Blues have been inconsistent of late, beating Newcastle Jets Women 2-0, before being thrashed 5-0 by rivals Western Sydney Wanderers Women last week.
https://twitter.com/AUFCWomen/status/1208983069413146624
Adelaide lost 1-0 at Marden Sports Complex against Sydney in their previous meeting back in Round 3.
Grant said they will need to match third-place Sydney’s intensity and be more clinical in the final third.
“I think we just need to finish those chances and go into the game with determination and a lot of energy to try and beat them,”
“They will be stronger this week with Veronica Latsko and Alanna Kennedy as well.”
Grant was one of the best players on the pitch for the Reds after receiving her first start since Round 1.
The Young Matilda was deployed at left-back, demonstrating her versatility, and did a sound job in marking United States winger Simone Charley.
Grant, who can play at right-back and on either wing, admitted she is not fussed where she plays as long as it helps the team.
“Whatever is best for the team,” she continued
“I was just really excited to be put into the starting line-up and wherever I play I just want to give my best to the team.”
Adelaide United Women face Sydney FC Women in Round 7 of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 29 December at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. Kick-off is at 3.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
