Peterborough United Women are set for a top-of-the-table clash as they travel to Loughborough University Stadium to face Loughborough Lightning on Thursday evening (7:45pm) in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands.
Posh enter the fixture on the back of two consecutive home wins against Barnsley Women and Notts County, before competing in a behind-closed-doors friendly last weekend. Having been without a league fixture at the weekend, Posh slipped to third in the table with 37 points.
Lightning remain unbeaten in the league; most recently securing a 1-0 victory over fellow high flyers Northampton Town. Like Posh, Lightning also sit on 37 points but have three games in hand.
A win for either team would see them take the top spot with current leaders Leafield Athletic on 39 points, but without a midweek fixture.
Team News
Midfielder Kayleigh Hines is in contention to face her former side Lightning having made the switch to Posh back in November. Forwards Tara Kirk and Katie Middleton are joint top-scorers for the Posh this season with eight goals; the former is four shy of hitting 50 goals for the club. Midfielders Poppie Brown and Renai Bennett could also hit milestones by making their 50th appearance for the club if they feature against Loughborough this Thursday.
Lightning bolstered their squad with the January signing of Alice Higginbottom from FAWNL Northern Premier Division side Stoke City.
From The Gaffer
Speaking to Posh+ ahead of the game, Jake Poole said: “The magnitude of the game will naturally bring more excitement. Both games this season against Loughborough have been under the lights which beings that extra layer to the game. It should be a good game of football.
“Loughborough have been one of the best Tier 4 teams across the country in the past few seasons. They have similar aspirations to us and we know they play a tight but effective game. They’re a well-coached team who bring a technical and real threat going forward. We’re aware of how they set up and they do it well, but we know we bring quality to the game as well.”
One To Watch
Three of the Lightning squad have hit double figures for the season. Jessica Collyer currently leads the sides goal-scoring charts having netted 13 goals in 19 appearances this season.
Last Time Out
The two sides last met under the lights in September in a 1-1 draw at Yaxley Football Club. Former Lightning player, now Posh player, Kayleigh Hines netted for the visitors before Renai Bennett levelled from the spot for Posh.
Ticket News
Tickets can be purchased by cash or card on the night. They are priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions, £2 for students with under 18s getting in for free.
Supporters are reminded that nearby car parks charge, but can be pre-booked via ScanPay (apcoa.co.uk).
Live Updates
Updates of the game will be available on The Posh Women X account, with post-match reaction also on the website.