Midfielder Maddison Moore reflects on the recent changes to the U23s, the performances in pre-season so far and her ambitions for the season ahead.
Peterborough United Women U23s have overseen several management changes over the season break with new manager Michael Allsebrook stepping up from the Girls Academy whilst the club also signed John Currall as Under 23s coach.
Maddison Moore, who joined the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, has already noticed the changes the new management team have brought in despite the short amount of time. She said: “Being in the squad this season and last, I have already noticed an improvement in the way we are playing already. The management team has increased in size and the team is training more often with gym sessions introduced into our week now.”
The U23s are unbeaten so far during pre-season, with positive performances at Thrapston’s six-a-side tournament were sandwiched between an opening 2-0 win against Histon United and a 2-2 battle with Kettering Town.
While last weekend, they experienced their first taste of FA Women’s National League Reserve action as they secured a 3-1 victory over Watford Development. Being a fairly new squad can be challenging, but Moore voiced how quickly the squad has gelled together.
She added: “It’s been really positive considering the changes we’ve had. We’ve got another batch of players from the Girls Academy coming through as well as others from elsewhere. We’re getting to know each other still but it’s looking really positive so far as our results show. Each week we are improving and learning more.”
Moore bagged the opener in the 2-2 draw against Kettering Town Women earlier this month and spoke about her target to contribute more to the team this upcoming season and how she wants to utilise her knowledge to help her younger teammates.
“I definitely want to add goals to my game this season. I want to get forward more and contribute to the team, be it through assisting a teammate or scoring one myself.”
“It does feel strange being one of the older players in the group. Having played a lot of games for the Development Squad last season, I feel I have the experience to pass on to the rest of the team. I want to use my knowledge of the game and be there if they need me to answer any questions.”
The Posh Women U23s begin life in the FA Women’s National League Reserve Midlands Division on September 3rd as they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves and Moore is looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’m really excited for the season to start. I think we’ve got lots of little things to learn still but that’s what pre-season is all about and we’ll travel to Wolves with the belief that we’ll give it a good go.
"The National League is going to be a different challenge from our previous campaigns. Obviously, we are facing similar set-ups in that they are all the Development teams, but there will be some talented young players that we will face. We take each game as it comes and see how we do, but I’m confident that we’ll enjoy our football in this division."
Written by Lauren Shiels.
Photo credit: Darren Wiles.