“We have shown a good side to us” | Barraclough looks ahead to Dulwich clash

Women’s Under-21s player Lucy Barraclough wants to use the positive momentum from recent performances to help us go one step further in the Capital Cup on Sunday.

Our Academy side are just one game away from reaching the final of competition, but they must overcome Dulwich Hamlet – who compete in the FA Women’s National League Division One South East - this weekend to book our spot in the showpiece event.

However, facing senior opposition haven’t fazed our youngsters so far in our cup journey having beaten Millwall, QPR and Ashford Town to reach the last four of the competition.

And after back-to-back wins in the Professional Game Academy League – beating Birmingham City and Leicester City – Lucy feels the group of players are ready for another exciting challenge on Sunday.

“We've definitely gained some momentum from our recent games as we've had a few good performances,” she told us. “Even the game against Liverpool last month, we controlled it until the last five minutes, it was unfortunate, but I think the performances against Birmingham and, most recently, Leicester should really put us in a good place ahead of the semi-final and the upcoming games.”

Reflecting on the journey so far in the competition: “It has been a different challenge to what we have experienced in the league.

“But I think it has been good and, obviously we go out to win every game, so it's has been beneficial to have that competitive run, winning games in normal time but also showing that mentality to overcome teams on penalties, we have shown a really good side to us during this competition.”

Currently sat eighth in the FAWNL Division One South East, Dulwich have overcome London Bees and Enfield Town Ladies to progress to the semi-final and Lucy is expecting a tough encounter against another senior opposition.

“They're going to be aggressive and obviously they will want to win, with the final so close. I just think we've got to go out there and perform like we have done in previous games in this competition.

“But I think it has been good and, obviously we go out to win every game, so it's has been beneficial to have that competitive run, winning games in normal time but also showing that mentality to overcome teams on penalties, we have shown a really good side to us during this competition.”

Currently sat eighth in the FAWNL Division One South East, Dulwich have overcome London Bees and Enfield Town Ladies to progress to the semi-final and Lucy is expecting a tough encounter against another senior opposition.

“They're going to be aggressive and obviously they will want to win, with the final so close. I just think we've got to go out there and perform like we have done in previous games in this competition.

“It will obviously be great to get to a final and maybe even go one step further because I think we’ve played well this season and we want to show some silverware from it, but our focus is solely on Dulwich this weekend as they’re an experienced side who will pose a number of challenges, as shown in their league position at tier four level.”

Joining our Under-21s set-up at the beginning of the campaign, having previously been at Liverpool and Manchester City, the energetic full-back has been a regular in Nick Hardy’s side, making 24 appearances across all competitions.

Looking back at her first full season in Lilywhite, she added: “I think the season has been good, we’ve had moments that were up-and-down, but I think that has helped us develop and improve as the season has progressed.

“For me, I have really enjoyed every minute so far at the Club, I feel like I have settled in and playing well, which is good, and we all just want to finish the season as strongly as possible now.”