UEL Women’s Football first team are seeking revenge against league rivals Brunel University in the BUCS Football Trophy last-16 this Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to Rising East, captain Daisy Davis emphasised the squad are “mentally and physically” prepared for the match after some “very intense” training sessions.
Having gone toe-to-toe in the South Eastern 1A Division this season, Brunel won the league title race with a heartbreaking last-gasp equaliser when the teams met back in November.
A game in-hand for the visitors means UEL are unable to make up the ground, a harsh reality which gives them added determination to progress in the trophy competition.
Stephen Opaka’s side overcame University College London 6-2 last week, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches, seeing them brimming with confidence ahead of this clash.
Familiar Foes
Table toppers Brunel have put together some fine form of their own this season having taken 19 points from 21 available this season.
They are yet to lose a league match with UEL the only team to have taken points from them during the course of the campaign.
Last week, Brunel marked their return from the Christmas break with a 3-0 victory over St Mary’s University which confirmed their league title triumph.
Key Characters
Defensive solidity should be vital for UEL against a Brunel side who have proven their worth in front of goal during this campaign.
Skipper Daisy Davis will look to set the standard at the heart of the back line alongside Briony Hurd, while goalkeeper Ellie Bird will be a vocal commander from between the sticks.
Elsewhere, midfield pair Ariel Viera and Samia Adam will need to combine resilience and creativity as they look to balance defensive discipline with a freedom to attack.
Free Scorers
- UEL have netted 26 goals on home turf this season while conceding just four.
- They have scored in each of their nine matches in all competitions.
- The east-Londoners have kept two clean sheets in four home matches.
- Brunel have scored two or more goals in each of their eight matches.
- The visitors have scored nine and conceded four in three away games.
- They are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels this season.
Bitter Pill
Having fought valiantly against Brunel on two previous occasions, UEL have struggled to overcome their London rivals both at home and on their travels.
After beginning the season with a 14-0 victory, UEL succumbed to their first defeat of the season losing 7-2 away to Brunel in October.
One month later, the east-Londoners watched the league title slip from their grasp when Brunel snatched a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Mabley Green.
Cup Exploits
UEL travelled to Southampton Solent University in the previous round, booking their last-16 spot with a 3-1 victory.
Meanwhile, visitors Brunel secured a second trip to east-London by seeing off the University of Cambridge 4-0 in the round of 32.
Travel Guide
If you fancy watching some local football, the match takes place this Wednesday 6th February at Mabley Green, Lee Conservancy Road, E9 5RN with kick-off at 14:00.
