AFC Bournemouth Women are set to face Oxford United in a crucial National League Southern Premier Division match. The team, led by Helen Bleazard, last played on January 4, where they secured a late draw against Hashtag United thanks to Jessica Hennessy’s stoppage-time header. Currently, Bournemouth sits one point behind second-placed Plymouth and five points adrift of league leaders Watford. The upcoming match against fourth-placed Oxford presents an opportunity for Bournemouth to close the gap on the top two teams.
Helen Bleazard said: “We haven’t played many league games since Christmas. We’ve had a few bad runs with the weather and still been in a few cups, so it’ll be nice to get back and focus on the league. Obviously, last time we played Oxford was at the [Vitality] Stadium, and we managed to beat Oxford 2-1, and that was a brilliant occasion. I think cup games are always different because you have to win, otherwise you’re out.”
Bleazard continued: “Like I said, we always focus on one game at a time and we never look too far ahead. As long as we win the next game, that’s, that’s everything that we can do. Oxford, we know that’s their home ground and they’re going to be the ones who are putting up a fight against us. So I think similar to last time, we’ve made a few tweaks, a few changes on tactics and things like that. But as long as we have the mentality to go into the next game as exactly how we would any other game, I think we should be able to get three points.”
Bournemouth’s encounter with Oxford United is pivotal, as it could significantly impact their standing in the league. The team is eager to return to league action after a series of weather-related disruptions and cup commitments. Their previous victory against Oxford at the Vitality Stadium serves as a confidence booster, although Bleazard acknowledges the challenges posed by playing on Oxford’s home ground. Tactical adjustments have been made to adapt to the different pitch conditions, and the team remains focused on securing all three points. With a strong mentality and strategic planning, Bournemouth aims to continue their pursuit of the top spots in the league.
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