Swpl1final run-inwillbe amajortest
Gary Doctor says the SWPL1 season run-in is going to be a test of squad strength and mentality, as they bid to avoid the relegation play-off.
The New Douglas Park club are second-bottom of Group B, but two points behind Dundee United and four adrift of Aberdeen, going into a crucial period.
Accies were due to host group leaders The Spartans last night (Wednesday) while Aberdeen and Dundee United went head-to-head.
Doctor’s side then host Aberdeen on Sunday, while United are at home to bottom side Glasgow Girls, with the rivals clashing on the final day.
Hamilton are on a good run of form going into the games, with seven points from the last week, following up a 1-1 draw against United with 3-1 wins over both Motherwell and Glasgow Girls.
Doctor says they’ve given themselves a chance of avoiding the play-off, and knows other sides will cut each other’s throats.
“It’s a big week again, the games keep coming,”he said.“we knew it was going to be a difficult period, it’s the same for everyone, and it’s going to be a test of squads, of squad strength, and mentality, as well.
“I think we showed that in the Motherwell game when they brought it level early in the second half, but we showed good mental strength to survive a wee period of pressure, without conceding too many opportunities, and getting the further goals to get the win.
“On Sunday we needed to produce that same level of performance, keep that composure and intensity at the same time.
“I think the players have really showed a lot over the last seven days, getting those two big wins.”
An Eilidh Austin hat-trick saw Accies overturn Carla Boyce’s penalty leveller for Motherwell, and Austin struck again against Glasgow, with Lucy Sinclair and Jose Giard also scoring.
Doctor said:“the win over Motherwell was probably unexpected to many, but we felt we were capable, and then at the Glasgow game we said ‘if we don’t deliver in that match, what’s the point’.
“It was a big week, the players did well, and they’ve just given themselves a chance, as we asked of them.
“I don’t think, in the last two seasons in the top flight, that we’ve gone three games unbeaten and won back-toback games, so there are a lot of positives.
“But it all counts for nothing if we don’t keep it going.”