Katie Rice "Our sole priority is to focus on our own game and play to the standards that we're capable of"
11/15/2024 07:00 AM
All eyes turn to Springburn this weekend, with Scottish Women’s Premier League action firmly on the mind, as the women of steel travel to face closest rivals Partick Thistle in a highly-anticipated encounter at Petershill Park on Sunday.
Paul Brownlie’s side remain one-point clear of Brian Graham’s Jags in the final top-six place, but despite the sense of occasion associated with facing a close-rival, the women of steel’s preparations haven’t shifted, with the squad remaining composed and ready to approach Sunday’s contest like any other. Midfielder Katie Rice discussed Motherwell’s approach heading into this weekend’s matchday in Glasgow.
“We are treating this game like any other,” Rice explained.
“It’s important not to get lost in the build-up and compromise our own standards by focusing too heavily on the occasion and the pressure that naturally comes against a close-rival in the league. We know the standards we are capable of producing, and our sole priority is to focus on ourselves, remain composed and humble and the rest will take care of itself.
“We have battled Thistle closely over the past few seasons, and narrowly missed out on the top-six by one-point in the 2022/23 SWPL campaign, so we have to respect the fact that we are facing a strong side, who have proved that they are a top-six team, but we know we have the capability to achieve a positive result.”
“Taking each game at a time is always a cliche, but it’s absolutely true,” Rice added.
“We have responded really well since the game at Fir Park earlier in the season, earning a place in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup and and returning four-wins from six in all competitions, but those games are in the past. We can appreciate and celebrate those results at full-time, but we swiftly move on, as we know we have to be ready and prepared for the next test.
“We know that these matches are ultimately decided by fine margins, but by remaining composed and focused on ourselves, we know that we can head into the game on Sunday in a positive mindset. The defeat at Fir Park was disappointing and frustrating for us all, but ultimately it was only one game, and we know that our final place in the season will be decided by consistent performances over the months ahead.”
Despite nine new additions joining the squad in the summer transfer window, the close-knit relationship in the dressing room has remained since, and Rice spoke of the importance of that relationship in achieving our targets this season.
“Having a strong relationship in the dressing room is absolutely essential,” Rice emphasised.
“We have a really strong core dynamic within the squad, and we all want to perform well for each other. As we head into this game at the weekend, we hope that relationship can benefit us and we can put in a strong performance.
“This game is one we are all looking forward to, and we’d be very appreciative to have a strong away crowd to support us on Sunday.”
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