Pre Match Report: UCFB Woman seek to seal a league win against Salford in a huge clash

On Wednesday the 1st of March, UCFB Women will play in a massive derby against local rivals Salford in a game that can decide the BUCS Northern League Tier 3A. Both teams sit joint-1st, and this could be the game that separates them, and crowns rightful champions. Pride, records, glory. Everything is on the line on Wednesday, and the most deserving will prevail.

The UCFB Women’s team are looking to cement what has been a dominant season so far. The ladies from the Etihad are relishing an unbeaten record at home so far this season, having won all their games. Obviously, they hold the home advantage in the inherent nature of football, but they will certainly be galvanised to carry on this impressive, impervious home record. Being a potential title decider should already mark the occasion for the ladies, but keeping the unbeaten record at home should be the extra push needed.

Head Coach Esme Critchley told us, “It’s such a massive game for the girls. We’ve done the prep and looked into how Salford play, they’re going to be hard to beat. But we have full confidence in the girls and their ability to carry out our instructions”

When asked about the motivation needed, Critchley said, “The girls are up for it and prepared. They’re very much looking forward to securing a big league title win for the university, especially doing it at home against local rivals, and very tough opponents.”

Critchley was not wrong in her assessment of Salford Women’s. They have proven to be imperious themselves, especially away from home. They remain unbeaten on the road this season, with 4 draws. This also should galvanise them massively, as they should be looking to get their first league win away from home. The record shows that they are definitely up to the task when it comes to defending away from home, but when it comes to securing to win, the evidence is lacking. There is no better time to seal your first win away from home in a title decider, especially if it is against your direct title rivals and local rivals.

The game looks to be a real clash between an unstoppable force and an immovable object. Both teams have proven to be dominant in some form this season. UCFB are unbeaten at home. Salford are unbeaten away. However, moments like these, games like these, are where the coaches, players and fans really come to find out if those records really mean something. If there is really fire below the smoke. A game that decides not just the champions, but who deserves it most, who always deserved it. Throughout the course of a season, teams can become complacent, they can draw pre-emptive conclusions and celebrate before things are decided. But games like the one on Wednesday can either vindicate teams, or shatter the perception of themselves.

Both teams have glory to play for. UCFB vs Salford. The unstoppable force vs the immovable object. The game promises to be a conclusive end to the league. Let’s hope it lives up to the billing.