Steve Cuss and Becki Bath speak ahead of the AFC Bournemouth women's game against Swindon Town.
AFC Bournemouth women face off against Swindon Town women on Sunday 12 December in a game where a win will see them go top of the National League Divioson One South West section.
Becki Bath, the club’s top goal scorer, has been in fine form this season scoring nine goals so far this campaign but is expecting a tough and potentially frustrating game against ,
Speaking to NERVE SPORT, she said: “They don’t give up. When any player gets a touch, they’re straight on it and they fight until the end.”
“They sit with four defenders with two midfielders who literally sit in front of them. They almost park the bus as such so we’ve been focusing on how to break them down and hopefully we’ve hit the nail on the head.”
Last time these two teams came up against each other it ended 1-1 with Swindon scoring late on. This Bournemouth side has had a few unique results like this where they have played well but failed to get the desired result.
Cherries boss, Steve Cuss, commended on the desire and commitment of his side and told NERVE SPORT: “The first two games of the season where we were leading 1-0 and got pegged back both times - you walked into the dressing room, and it felt like a defeat.
"That probably said a lot about the group because they were our first games in the division, and we didn’t know what to expect.
"We got two draws, but it wasn’t enough for the team, they wanted two wins and it was a clear indication of the ambition of the team.
"We know this time around against Swindon we’re going to have to play better and be at our best to get the three points.”
Sunday’s game will be a high pressure one for the Cherries as a win will take the Dorset club one point above league leaders Southampton. Bath was confident in the squad’s mentality, she added: “Personally, I cope with the pressure by not thinking about it and just going out and doing my thing on a Sunday. As a team we listen to the manager and trust in him.”
Cuss seconded Bath’s opinionsand beleives his sdie have what it takes to leapfrog Saints at the top of the table.
He said: “I think we’ve had pressure all the way and that comes with playing for AFC Bournemouth because I think teams want to try and beat us and we’ve had that from the first game of the season.
"If you’re asking me, I want to be top of the league and that’s where we all want to be. We want to get there as quick as we can, and the pressure will be to stay there but that will just be another challenge that comes our way.”
The manager went on to reveal his five-year plan for the women’s team: “Each year of trying to get promoted but the long-term plan is to be in those top two divisions.”
If the club wants to fulfil this plan, opportunities to go top of the league must be grasped with two hands.
On Sunday Steve Cuss’ Bournemouth will look to do just that when Swindon’s secure defence visits Verwood Town's Potterne Park. The 2pm kick off should be an exciting prospect for Cherries fans as they look to cheer their side on and top the table come the final whistle,