Chelsie Dawber says ladder leader Sydney FC Women will provide Adelaide United Women its sternest test of the Westfield W-League season tomorrow afternoon.
The Sky Blues lie in first place on 18 points, two points clear of second-ranked Brisbane Roar Women with a game in hand.
Dawber praised Sydney’s quality but was confident the Reds could get a positive result on the road.
“I definitely think this will be the team’s toughest opponent,” Dawber said.
“They’re top for a reason and they’re a good side.
“But I think the way we’ve played the last few weeks I think if we keep building on that and hopefully we’ll play our best on the day and who knows what the result will be.”
However, after winning its previous five matches whilst conceding just one goal, Ante Juric’s side suffered a shock 4-1 loss to the Roar last weekend.
It was a result Dawber believed proves Sydney can be exposed, though warned United must be ready for a reaction.
“I think they definitely are beatable,” she said.
“But also I think coming off a loss and playing against us this week they’ll come out firing and we need to be prepared for that.”
After beating fellow finals aspirants Canberra United Women 2-1 last weekend, the Reds sit in third place on 13 points and remain on track to secure a maiden top-four finish.
“That’s definitely something we’re hoping to achieve,” the striker said.
“I think as each week goes by we’re becoming more confident and instilling that belief in ourselves that we’re able to play finals.
“We just need to keep working and believing in ourselves and hopefully that will be a reality soon.”
The 21-year-old scored for the second successive game, courtesy of a clinically dispatched side volley.
Dawber, who now has two goals for the campaign, admitted she was delighted with her recent form.
She hoped to end the season strongly after missing back-to-back matches in January due to a quad injury.
“I’m very pleased with how I’ve been playing the last few weeks,” she revealed.
“Obviously I had a slow start to the season being injured.
“Now I think I’ve started to find that form and hopefully the next coming weeks I’ll score some more goals and we’ll win some more games.”
Match details:
Game date: Sunday, 21 February vs Sydney FC Women
Westfield W-League 2020/21 – Round 9
Kick-off 3.35pm ACDT
Venue: Cromer Park
Broadcast: ABC, Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
