Steph full of praise for real super league

CITY Women’s captain Steph Houghton has praised the standard of the Super League ahead of their home clash with West Ham United tomorrow (12.30pm) on the first Women’s Football Weekend.

The 31-year-old, who captained England Lionesses against Germany at Wembley last weekend in front of a crowd of more than 77,000, says the top-flight has vastly improved since its inception, with tomorrow’s ties held at venues including Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

She said: “I knew they’d come, just maybe not at the rate that it has risen over the last few years. It’s fantastic for women’s football and it’s all about making sure we get consistent numbers on a Sunday.

“It’s important that this weekend, we’re hoping that supporters of men’s teams come and watch their affiliated clubs. But ultimately, the standard of the game has rose, so people are more interested in actually watching us play and that’s great for the game in England.”

City have won only one of their last five games in a run that has seen them knocked out of the Champions League, but Houghton insists the side are capable of responding.

“We’re confident in our ability, and I have no doubt that this could be a good season for us.

“There’s a long way to go, but this week is a big week for this club. We’re used to the pressure, we’ve been used to people wanting us to not as play well, so that probably motivates us even more. We’re ready and excited for Sunday.”