Bristol Academy striker Ann-Marie Heatherson has put all the pressure on Arsenal ahead of the FA Women's Cup final at the Ricoh Arena this Saturday.
By David Brenchley
Academy will compete in their first ever final this weekend, while the Gunners go in search of their eleventh win in the competition, and Heatherson has insisted they are going there to enjoy the occasion.
"Arsenal have a lot more pressure on them," the former Charlton and Millwall striker told WSR, "because people aren't going to be surprised if Bristol lose in the FA Cup final.
"We can go out, play our game and enjoy ourselves, whereas Arsenal have a lot of pressure on them because they didn't win it last year [Everton beat them 3-2 after extra time] so they need to win it this year.
"Any team that is not Arsenal wants to upset Arsenal. I don't think they will be going into this game full of confidence. They know what we are capable of and might be slightly worried of what we will produce on the day."
The two sides are members of the inaugural Women's Super League (FA WSL) and have already met twice this season, with Arsenal coming out on top at home and a 2-2 draw in Bristol.
Both were billed as ‘dress rehearsals' for the final but will either game be a reflection of the clash in the Midlands? "Not at all," says Heatherson.
"The first game we lost 1-0 but got beat by [Jennifer Beattie's] goal of the month and didn't deserve to lose. In the game last week, they outplayed us in the first half but we outplayed them in the second.
"For us that is a massive boost and we are confident going into the FA Cup. The way I see it, we lost the first one, drew the second one and we are going to win the third one."
The WSL has been heralded as the start of a new era for women's football in England and there is a hope that there will be a record crowd (of over 25,000) in attendance on Saturday.
The Vixens' attendances so far in the league are certainly encouraging, with 1,138 fans flocking to the Stoke Gifford Stadium for their last game against Arsenal and an average home attendance of 651.
There is likely to be a lot of support for the Gunners but, if Bristol's fans turn out in their droves like they have been Heatherson believes it will give the players more motivation to go out and win the game.
"It is crazy how much support we have behind us. It is awesome and I am so thankful the whole of Bristol are behind us and hopefully most of them will be at Coventry," she added.
"We aren't an established name, like most of the others WSL clubs, so to have all this support just gives us a boost and gives us the confidence to go on and win the trophy for Bristol."
The FA Women's Cup takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday 21 May, kicking off at 2pm. The ticket hotline is 0844 873 1883 or you can buy online at www.ricoharena.com .
Follow me on Twitter for updates from the game and other women's football news. Visit Bristol Academy Women's website for the latest news.
