Merrick Will believes the Black Country derby is the type of game she thrives off as a player.
The Wolves Women midfielder has highlighted the aggression and rivalry within the derby as something that matches her own game on the field of play ahead of Sunday’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final at the New Bucks Head. Will has offered her final reflections on last weekend’s FA Cup tie, preparations ahead of the derby and the difference supporters can make to performance levels on the pitch.
On the occasion versus Brighton
“It was brilliant. Just having that many fans there in the stadium was amazing and we definitely heard it on the pitch – they were like our twelfth player.
“We put on a really good show for ourselves and showed that we can compete with a Super League team for the best part of 88 minutes.
“Reflecting back, we were disappointed with some parts but I think that just shows the standards of the group. We’re definitely really proud of ourselves and we’ll take that into this weekend.”
On getting back to their best
“We’ve had difficult times in recent weeks but Sunday was a nice end to that, shows where this group is at and how much we’ve got each other’s back.
“When times are hard, we can pull each other out of it and put in performances like we did on Sunday.
“It was really important to have that performance, reflect on it and realise how well we did.”
On Sunday’s Black Country derby
“Any game against Baggies is definitely going to get the girls going and after last week’s performance, I don’t think it’s going to be too difficult to do that.
“We’re not going to go into it with too much excitement. We’re going to plan and prepare the same way we do and not let the occasion get to us.
“Our target is to get to the final like we have in recent years. We’re in a good place to do that and the group’s ready to go.”
On her first experience of the derby
“It was definitely an aggressive game but that’s the type of player I am, so I really enjoyed it. It was good to be involved in it and it’s definitely different to other league games being a Black Country derby.
“For me personally, it’s something I really thrive off – that rivalry, aggression and knowing what it means to the girls, staff and fans.”
On the supporters
“Last week showed just how important they are when they get behind us and how much of a difference they can make.
“I really think they were the ones cheering us on and keeping us going all the way to the final whistle last week.
“Hopefully we see a lot turn out and I know it’s a bit of a weekend for it with the 21s playing them on Monday night as well. Hopefully we get as many through the door as possible and we put on another performance for them.”
