One blip could cost Chelsea Ladies the title – Rafferty

Chelsea Ladies defender Claire Rafferty says just one slip-up could prove decisive in their attempt to retain the Women’s Super League crown.

The Blues began their title defence with an impressive 4-1 win over Doncaster Belles, who they also beat in the FA Cup in the season opener.

“We know everyone’s going to want to beat us,” England and Chelsea left-back Rafferty told West London Sport. “And in this league one loss or one draw can cost you.

“I feel like I’m holding the trophy and saying, ‘no, I don’t want anyone to take it from us!'”

Rafferty says that the while the focus was on making sure they beat Doncaster last Thursday, the team were also mindful of goal difference in a league which has gone down to the final day in each of the past two seasons.

“Even the goal difference, it can come down to that,” she said. “We had that in mind coming into the game, trying to score as many goals as possible because we know that later in the season that could be important.”

Chelsea’s first home WSL game, against Liverpool at Staines FC’s Wheatsheaf Park on Easter Monday, was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

They are in next in action on Thursday, April 21, when they have an away league game against Arsenal Ladies.

Claire Rafferty will be writing a regular column for West London Sport throughout the season.