BRADFORD RELISHING FOREST TEST

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Claret Women boss says preparation is the key for Sunday’s trip to Midlands

2023-04-01T11:30:00.000Z

BRADFORD RELISHING FOREST TEST

Claret Women boss says preparation is the key for Sunday’s trip to Midlands

2023-04-01T11:30:00.000Z

LASER FOCUS ON FEDS FOR PROUD BOSS BRADFORD - Image 2

Interim Burnley FC Women head coach Jay Bradford is looking forward to Sunday’s meeting of the top two in the Northern Premier Division of the FA Women’s National League as her side travel to Nottingham Forest.

The Claret Women boast an unbeaten record in the league so far this season, and have won 12 of their 16 matches, but they sit 2nd and trail table toppers Forest by four points with two games in hand to come.

On the challenge that lies ahead, Bradford said: “We want to retain that record, of course we do, but we know how tough it’s going to be. Forest sit top at the minute, and they’re there with good reason, but we’re happy with where we’re at ahead of Sunday.

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“We’re happy both in terms of how we’ve been going on the pitch, and how we’ve gone off it in terms of our training and preparation. That side of things has been as good as it always is, and I don’t think the feeling in the camp is any different to how it has been before any other game this season.

“It’s totally business as usual. Nothing’s going to change from our perspective, and we’ll just look to keep applying the same principles to try and get a result on the day.”

Burnley have lost only twice this season in all competitions, with both coming back-to-back in January as the side exited both the League Cup & FA Cup.

The League Cup exit came at the hands of this weekend’s opponents Forest, who ran out 2-1 winners in a quarter-final at the Halbrooke Stadium as Alyssa Aherne’s late strike for the Clarets proved a consolation.

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Earlier in the season, the pair played out a 1-1 draw in league action at the County Ground, Leyland. Millie Ravening was on the scoresheet for Burnley that afternoon.

Wanting to put right the wrongs of those two games, Bradford said: “I think I speak for the squad when I say that we feel relaxed going into Sunday’s game.

“We’ve obviously talked about the two games against Forest so far this season, and in both there were things we did well as well as things we didn’t do so well. It’s all about trying to make little improvements all over the pitch really, which isn’t anything different to normal.

“I don’t think it’s unfair to say that the pressure at the moment is on Forest going into this game because they’re the ones that are on top. It’ll definitely be a good game between two good teams, and it’s one that we all can’t wait for.”

Former Coventry United boss Bradford officially joined the Clarets back in January as assistant, though has been in and around the squad for the majority of the season and took charge following Jonathan Morgan’s departure.

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During her time at the club so far, she’s seen growth in attendances at the team’s home games and some strong followings away from home including last time out against Forest.

She hopes as many fans as possible are able to make the journey down to back the team in person on Sunday again, saying: “We want the fans to travel and watch us play because first and foremost I think it always gives players that little bit of a boost.

“Both us and Forest have had some really good support this year, and I think it’s great for the women’s game in general that that’s the case in the third tier. Last weekend, over 5000 watched them beat Derby [County] at Pride Park, and it’s just great to see attendances like that.

“Whatever the crowd looks like on Sunday, and however many of their supporters they may have there, we’ll just go there and try to put our best foot forward.”

If you do wish to make the journey tomorrow, the Halbrooke Stadium can be located with the postcode NG16 3HB. Tickets can be bought online HERE, or you can pay on the gate. Entry costs £5 for adults & £3 for concessions.