WE CAN GIVE MAN UTD ON ELL OF A BATTLE!
CHRISTON RELISHING CHANCE TO TAKE ON BIG SPENDERS IN FRONT OF BIG CROWD
Ellie Christon claims that Durham Women will be full of confidence when they welcome big-spending Manchester United tomorrow.
The Wildcats, who have lost just once this campaign, welcome the Red Devils to New Ferens Park in a 12pm kick-off.
The clash could prove key in the chase for the FA Women’s Championship title, with both sides eyeing top spot over the festive period.
Manchester United, who only joined the league this season, are the only fully professional side in the Championship and have a squad packed with international pedigree - including England regulars Alex Greenwood and Siobhan Chamberlain.
Managed by former England star Casey Stoney, the side are yet to lose in the second tier and sit top of the league with a game in hand.
But Durham are the only side to take points off the league newcomers this season - a goalless draw at United in September - and Christon believes that this prior form means they have nothing to fear this weekend.
“We’ve worked really hard on the training ground and it’s given us confidence for Sunday,” she said.
“We have real belief that we can go and take three points.
“The top of the table is up for grabs so we just need to apply ourselves.
“We proved that we can hold our own and we can’t go in there holding back.
“We need to go at them and get the three points hopefully.”
Durham will be boosted by the return of Becky Salicki from suspension while goalkeeper Hannah Reid could also make a comeback from injury. But doubts persist over Zoe Ness, who was withdrawn during Wednesday’s Continental Cup outing at Manchester United, who won a tight game 1-0 thanks to an early goal. The Wildcats are expecting a near-record crowd for the visit of United, with tickets available on the gate.
Meanwhile, third-tier Sunderland are away to Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the FA WNL Cup.