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We came so close last year – but this time we can go all the way

Hi and welcome to my latest West London Sport column.

Top of the table and looking to clinch the title – it’s a situation we were in last season too. We missed out then and are determined not to let it happen again. 

Title run-in
There are only two games to go now – starting with Liverpool Ladies on Sunday – and we are in a very good position. There is big pressure and every training session counts. Players are really fighting for their places.

It’s been weird because of the international break, which means the wait between the games has dragged. I don’t want to get too excited or too anxious but it’s always in the back of your mind.

It’s very similar to last season where it is ours to lose, but the fact we have been here before means we can deal with it.

Reds alert
I really think we have learned from last season, when we lost on the final day and Liverpool won the title.


WSL 1 with two matches to go:
1 Chelsea Ladies 26pts
2 Manchester City Women 24pts
3 Arsenal Ladies 21pts
4 Sunderland AFC Ladies 20pts

Liverpool have not had a great season but we will not be anything other than very respectful of them. They are the reigning champions, have some very good players and a strong goalscoring threat. And I’m sure they won’t hold back, because they’re the champions and will want to go out on a high.

It’s obviously a massive, massive game; we are well aware how big it is and how important it is to the club.

I really haven’t paid too much attention to the league table and what could happen with the goal difference. I do know that two wins and six points means we win the league, so that’s what I’m focusing on.

We want to avoid the pain of last season; we really don’t want to feel that again. We have to use it as a positive.

A growing game
After Liverpool, we play Sunderland in the final home game at Staines and it would be great to get a couple of thousand fans there.

Win, lose or draw against Liverpool we will still have a chance of winning the title, so I hope supporters will turn out in their numbers.

Fran Kirby has made a big difference since coming in from Reading

The attendances have been good since the World Cup, and England’s win over Estonia – although expected – was brilliant for continuing the momentum and keeping the interest in women’s football.

I didn’t travel because I had a little tweak in my hamstring but it’s fine. Mark Sampson [England manager] knew it was not worth risking. But the win was very straightforward and impressive and it was great to see Lionesses trending on Twitter and the game getting plenty of coverage.

Attacking threat
We have several players at Chelsea who are in and around that England squad and plenty in forward positions.

I would not want to face our attack. It’s a scary prospect with so much pace and quality with players like Eni Aluko, Gemma Davison, Fran Kirby as well as Ji So-Yun. I would be terrified if I was up against it when they get going.

This post was last modified on 24/09/2015

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