Lucy Staniforth has warned Lincoln Ladies not to underestimate her old club Sunderland when the two teams meet in the FA Women's Cup on Sunday.
By David Brenchley
Staniforth swapped Wearside for Lincoln recently ahead of the inaugural FA WSL season but knows her former club, who currently lead the way in the Premier League National Division, will be tough opposition.
"Sunderland have always had this ability to get a result when it didn't seem possible so there is no chance of us trying to underestimate them," Staniforth told Womensportreport.com.
"Hopefully I can help out by telling [Lincoln] ways to play against what [Sunderland] are good at but we can't go into the game thinking we have already won it because they are a really good side."
Somewhat surprisingly Sunderland were not chosen as a Super League team and subsequently lost a number of talented players to club that were chosen.
As well as Staniforth, Jordan Nobbs (who moved to Arsenal), Lucy Bronze (Everton) and Helen Alderson (Doncatser Rovers Belles) also left the club.
Staniforth recalls being disappointed when they found out the news and feels that could provide some motivation for Mick Mulhern's side.
"I was there when they were told they weren't in the Super League and it was pretty devastating to say the least.
"We were a pretty decent team in the Premier League and pushing for the top four or five so it was a shame. I know they really wanted to be there.
"We are pretty big rivals with them. When I was there they would say ‘oh, we really hate Lincoln' so I don't think it is a game to be taken lightly."
The Sunderland-born midfielder was part of the Mackems side that reached the FA Cup final two years ago when they were a second tier side and narrowly lost to Arsenal.
With the incentive of a Champions League place up for grabs this year she is determined to repeat that feat with the Lady Imps.
"This year there is the incentive of playing in Europe as well," she added. "I definitely want to experience [the final] again, like I did with Sunderland.
"It's great that [Arsenal and Everton] have drawn each other because it opens up a gap for another team to be in contention to get into the Champions League. It is something every player dreams of."
Sunderland take on Lincoln at the Hetton Centre, Hetton le Hole (DH5 9NE) on Sunday March 13 at 2pm. For more information about Lincoln Ladies, visit their new website: www.lincolnladiesfc.com
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