Riya Mannu expecting ‘similar test’ as West Brom Women prepare for Hull City clash
West Brom Women return to FAWNL Northern Premier action on Sunday, as they welcome Hull City to the Alexander Stadium.
The Baggies are back on home soil after three successive weeks on the road following trips to Burnley, Stoke and Halifax.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still’s side edged closer to the teams above them with a dramatic late win against Halifax last time out, and could gain further ground with one of their two games in hand.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s bout, midfielder Riya Mannu believes West Brom must build on the performance against Halifax.
Riya Mannu reflects on West Brom Women win over Halifax
The Baggies secured a vital 1-0 victory on their travels last time out, with Monique Robinson’s 93rd-minute winner seeing Hodgetts-Still’s side move further away from troubles at the bottom of the table.
Mannu admitted that the result was vital after the recent poor run.
“Before Halifax, we hadn’t been performing in the way we wanted to,” she said.
“It was all about getting the performance right and back to our standards – we did that really well.
“The first part of that is winning our individual battles and managing to score one of those chances. We’ve struggled in recent weeks to put them away, but when you keep knocking on the door, eventually you’ll get that opening you deserve.
“Credit to all of the girls for keeping on fighting until the very end. It’s very easy to switch off when it’s later in the game, but we stuck to our principles and managed to get a deserved breakthrough later on.”
The Albion welcome Hull City to the Midlands on Sunday, with Mannu loving life with the Baggies.
Riya Mannu ‘loving’ life at West Brom after Birmingham City move
19-year-old Mann joined the Baggies on loan from Birmingham City in February, and says she has settled brilliantly after making the switch from the fellow Midlanders.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here so far; the girls have made it very easy for me,” she said. “My confidence is getting better week-on-week, and I’m feeling sharper every time I get out there.”
Ahead of the weekend, Hull arrive in the Midlands having eased any relegation concerns with their recent 2-1 victory over Sporting Khalsa, leaving them six points clear of the drop zone and three points behind West Brom.
Chris Hames’ side also has a strong record against the Baggies, winning each of the last three meetings, including a 4-1 victory earlier this season.
With a crucial run-in on the way, Hodgetts-Still’s side will be aiming to gain momentum as they prepare to face rivals Wolves in the Birmingham Challenge Cup on Wednesday.
Mannu will likely be critical to any chances of success.
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