Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Kate Natkiel was delighted to get two goals against rivals Crystal Palace in the 5-1 FA Continental Tyres Cup match last night.
Natkiel's brace along with a goal each for Sophie Perry, Jodie Brett and Fliss Gibbons sealed the victory that lifted the Seagulls into second place in Group One South.
The win was Albion’s first in any competition since October and the 26-year-old believes it will give the team the boost needed heading into their next couple of matches.
She said, “It’s amazing to get the win and it’s exactly what we need. We’ve had a few tough results and it doesn’t matter that this was a cup game, we just needed to get the victory. I definitely think that it will give us the confidence going forward at the weekend.
“I’m really happy to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season as well. I should have scored the first one at the first attempt really and the second fell to me with the rebound but my left foot seems to be better than my right foot to be honest!”
Albion face Chelsea on Sunday in their final FA Women’s Super League match before Christmas, and Natkiel explained how the team are ready to test themselves against the current WSL title holders.
“It’s a completely different kind of game and we’ll prepare differently to that one, compared to how we have done for this one.
“Everyone knows that Chelsea are a tough side so we will have to perform well to get something from that game.
“We go into every game no matter who it is trying to get the three points, and it’s always good from a personal point of view to test yourself against a team like Chelsea as well.”