Southgate welcome Wimbledon W2 to Trent Park on Saturday afternoon as they look to continue their ascent through the ranks of the Division One table.
Andy Richardson’s side sits in 4th place after their away win against Slough and will spy the possibility to jump into the top 3 as they take on bottom placed Wimbledon who come into this game with just one win on the board.
Yet coach Richardson would do well not to underestimate a Wimbledon side who have a much better goal difference than both Slough and Firebrands who is above them and who have scored the same number of goals as third placed Guildford. Not only that but Helen Jelly’s side come off the back of an encouraging 2-2 draw against Guildford after Emily Barker scored in the 59th minute to level the contest. Jelly’s side also managed a 2-2 draw to Surbiton on the 8th February- in short they are a hard team to beat- they haven’t lost by more than a one goal ,margin since their 3-1 away loss to Guildford as far back last the 19th October.
For Southgate who secured their Division One status for next season last weekend with their win away to Slough will be looking to emulate their 1-2 away win in the reverse fixture on the 2nd November when Jess Denniff scored in the 61st minute to give Southgate the points.
It will be a fascinating encounter in which Wimbledon will be fighting for every inch of territory a win on Saturday is essential to stave off the threat of relegation as we head into the home straight of a long season.