Women's Team defender Abbie Carrington pleased with Reds' start to the season

Sunday’s 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton LFC at Broadhurst Park (3G) made it six wins out of six for FC in the league so far this season. With a maximum score from the opening two months of the season, the Reds currently sit top of the league with a seven point gap to second-placed Curzon. Defender Abbie Carrington has been a key asset in the good start helping the Reds to keep six clean sheets in all competitions so far this season.

It’s a start that has certainly pleased Carrington to this point. "I’m happy with how we have done so far, I think we’ve all got much more to give every week too. But it’s clear to see every week that we are improving as a team. Of course I was gutted about the FA Cup loss [to Wigan Athletic], that was unfortunate but I feel we’ve learnt from that game in the last few weeks".

After seeing how United have started the season both on and off the field as a team, Carrington is highly optimistic about what the Reds can achieve together this season. "Everyone is so positive in the dressing room and it helps that we all get along really well as a team. Luke [Podmore] always gives us feedback on training and games, as well as asking for our opinions which helps when figuring out what we need to work on. We’re all really positive about what we can achieve this season".

Since United started their Argyle Cup defence in the stadium with an 11-0 win over Penrith AFC Ladies just over two weeks ago, they have won back to back league games against West Didsbury & Chorlton and Curzon Ashton at Broadhurst Park. The win over West Didsbury was one which Carrington was particularly pleased with. "The West Didsbury & Chorlton game was so important, they were a good side and we knew we had to win it to carry on fighting for the league in a strong position. I was buzzing with the result!"

After that, the Reds win over Curzon Ashton LFC also added another big three points to this season’s title challenge and it’s another one that Carrington knew would be a tough test. "The Curzon game was also a massive one for us. They are also at the top end of the league but we knew what we needed to do and were ready for the challenge ahead of us on the day".

Sunday’s 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton saw the first goal scored by a visiting team in the league under manager Luke Podmore. As well as this it was the first goal that the Reds have conceded in six league games this season. Carrington says that it gives the Reds a boost heading into games knowing the efficiency that the defence has produced in a number of games so far this season. "Yeah we’re all full of confidence and that helps on a matchday. We have so many strong defenders and everyone has done really well to make sure that we haven’t conceded much so far this season".

"Fran [Davies] is unreal and it gives me so much confidence knowing that she is behind me when defending. Also, even though you haven’t had the chance to see Gemma [Jackson] yet, she fills me with a lot of confidence too, as she is always talking to us defenders and is another strong option to give the ball to if need be".

Before joining United, Carrington like the majority of her fellow defenders at FC, had never played in a back-three system and so has given credit to Luke Podmore for making it work particularly well over the last few months. "I’d never played in a back three before coming to FC. I remember when Luke told us at first that we would be switching. At first, we weren’t particularly keen and a little nervous but now I love playing in the system, it works for us so well. It was a great decision by Luke".

Carrington and her teammates head to Liverpool on Sunday looking to keep up the 100% record in the 2017-18 league season as we take on City of Liverpool!

Admiral Park, Admiral Street (L8 8JN) - 2pm KO!

We hope to see you there!

By Mikey Partington