Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Marie Hourihan is expecting a very stern test from Tottenham Hotspur, when the sides face each in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.
Albion played out two tightly-contested matches with Spurs last season, and Hourihan expects more of the same when the two teams play again this afternoon.
She said, “With the Continental Cup group we’re in, there are a few FA WSL 2 teams in there and they will be looking at Brighton as a scalp.
“We are going to be tested in different ways throughout this competition, and it will be very different to the Chelsea game.
“We played Spurs towards the end of the season and we won 2-0. It was a very tight game and there wasn’t a lot in it.
“Spurs have recruited a lot of players since then. They drew with Palace in the first game, but lost on penalties, so they will be eager to get some points on the board.”
Hourihan is now at the club on a permanent basis following a loan spell from Manchester City last season, and admitted it was ultimately an easy decision to make.
“It was always in my mindset when I first came to the club. I enjoyed my time here in the second half of the season and it made it pretty easy to finalise the deal, especially once Hope said they wanted to offer me a new contract.
“With the plans to go full time, in terms of what they had planned, it was quite an easy decision.
“I am now very much looking forward to what lies ahead this season.”
The Republic of Ireland international looked ahead to the main FA Women’s Super League season, and feels there is a good blend of youth and experience in the squad.
“Having players who’ve played in WSL 1 before will definitely be beneficial, but we also have a number of enthusiastic girls that haven’t played this level either.
“With Hope’s experience in terms of managing in high-profile games, we’ve got a good mix to come together for the new season. We’re all excited for the Bristol game we’re all gearing up towards that now.”
Albion played out two tightly-contested matches with Spurs last season, and Hourihan expects more of the same when the two teams play again this afternoon.
She said, “With the Continental Cup group we’re in, there are a few FA WSL 2 teams in there and they will be looking at Brighton as a scalp.
“We are going to be tested in different ways throughout this competition, and it will be very different to the Chelsea game.
“We played Spurs towards the end of the season and we won 2-0. It was a very tight game and there wasn’t a lot in it.
“Spurs have recruited a lot of players since then. They drew with Palace in the first game, but lost on penalties, so they will be eager to get some points on the board.”
Hourihan is now at the club on a permanent basis following a loan spell from Manchester City last season, and admitted it was ultimately an easy decision to make.
“It was always in my mindset when I first came to the club. I enjoyed my time here in the second half of the season and it made it pretty easy to finalise the deal, especially once Hope said they wanted to offer me a new contract.
“With the plans to go full time, in terms of what they had planned, it was quite an easy decision.
“I am now very much looking forward to what lies ahead this season.”
The Republic of Ireland international looked ahead to the main FA Women’s Super League season, and feels there is a good blend of youth and experience in the squad.
“Having players who’ve played in WSL 1 before will definitely be beneficial, but we also have a number of enthusiastic girls that haven’t played this level either.
“With Hope’s experience in terms of managing in high-profile games, we’ve got a good mix to come together for the new season. We’re all excited for the Bristol game we’re all gearing up towards that now.”