Flames eager for Barnsley test
Sunderland Flames visit second-top Barnsley Ladies in the Women’s Championship North Division Two on Sunday,
Unbeaten Barnsley are sure to be a tough test for the Ashbrooke side, who are only three points behind their hosts.
Despite a slow start to the season, Sunderland travel south with a hat-trick of positive results under their belt.
Coach Christopher Jones saw his side outgun Manchester 54-17 in the last fixture, and said: “The win has cemented our third place position in the league, which is a huge confidence boost for the team. If we keep doing what we’ve been then, as coaches, we are confident that we’ll be competitive.”
Alongside the victory, the Flames have seen the return of key players. Coach David Addison added; “It is great to have the likes of Jenny Carter and Kim Fraser back in the pack.
“Their experience has been influential on performance, which has helped us get back to challenging ourselves at the top end of the table.”
Even with confidence high, Sunderland are well aware of the fight they will face on the pitch. Jones said: “Barnsley are a strong side progressing well this season and currently unbeaten.
“We need to keep our structure in defence and be creative in attack. It will be key that we are adaptable in the game to identify weaknesses in their defence and exploit them as the game progresses.”
Since the weather is one thing that has not been on the Flames side in preparation for game day, they have been forced to result to alternative methods. Addisonsaid:“Wehavebeencreative with training as the weather has forced us into a corner.
“We have been working hard on our strengthening and conditioning with the help of New Level Gym, as well as developing our cognitive game plan by analysing strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and the opposition.
“It is really encouraging to see the team build their own solutions and game plan.”