Ipswich Town Women face FAWNL Southern Premier Division leaders Oxford at Court Place Farm this afternoon (KO 2pm).
The Tractor Girls have got back to form in recent weeks, winning their last four matches in all competitions without conceding following a disappointing start to the campaign which sees them sitting in fifth, five points behind the unbeaten U’s but having played a game fewer.
Last season Oxford were the only side to take six points off the Blues, winning 3-1 in the away fixture and 1-0 in Suffolk, pipping Town to second place behind title winners Southampton.
"Oxford are a good team who have started the season very well,” manager Joe Sheehan told the Tractor Girls’ official website. "They were difficult opposition for us last season, and a side we weren't able to get the better of.
"We know it's going to be a very challenging game for us, but one at the same time we're looking forward to.”
Oxford were last beaten at home more than 1,000 days ago back in November 2019, which Sheehan says is hugely impressive.
"An incredible record,” he added. "That is a serious number of days to go unbeaten at home.
"I think it showcases just how good a team they are and how difficult they are to beat. Being undefeated at home for that long and being mindful of that record, yet still being able to protect it, is testament to how strong they are.”
Reflecting on last season’s matches, Sheehan said: "We didn't deserve to beat them in the two games last year, so we have to improve and put in a performance that gives us the best chance of getting three points from the game.
"I don't think there's any kind of personal revenge element, it's more a case of us accepting that they were better than us last year, and we will have to perform well if we are going to get something from the game.”
Regarding Town’s recent run of wins, he said: "It's been a really good run of form for us. We've scored a few goals and kept some clean sheets, so that will give us extra confidence heading into the game.
"We know we still have to improve and we know that will need to be the case this weekend if we are to get something out of the game.”
Sarah Brasero-Carreira is an injury doubt, while fellow midfielder Freya Godfrey is away on international duty with England’s U19s for whom she scored twice as they defeated Slovenia 5-0 on Wednesday.