“The girls are buzzing” - Lenna previews Academy cup final

Our Women’s Under-21s have got the final of the Academy League Plate to look forward to this weekend, and Lenna Gunning-Williams is looking forward to the clash with Liverpool on Sunday (11am KO) at the Holywell Sports Complex in Loughborough.

We beat Everton 2-0 and Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 to reach the final of this year’s competition, Lenna Gunning-Williams the hat-trick hero in the semi-finals.

“All the girls are buzzing,” she said. “We’re all really excited and ready for it. Some of the girls are a bit nervous but the encouragement we’ll get from family and friends will give us the push to get the win.”

Having made three appearances for the first team this season, Lenna is no stranger to high-pressure situations.

“I zone out when I’m playing,” she said, explaining how she will calm the nerves of a cup final. “I tend to forget where I am with people watching me, so I can play my own game and crack on with it.

“It’s been a very good season for the Under-21s. Last season, we didn’t finish where we wanted to. This year, we’ve come a long way, done the double on Chelsea and beat them on penalties the first time. We won 2-0 the other day against them, so that oomph in the season will really help us in the final.”

What has been the key ingredient to this year’s success, which has seen us rise to third in the league? It’s all down to team spirit, Lenna explained.

“The team is more together on and off the pitch this year,” she said. “We’re more sociable and get on with each other really well. That shows when we’re playing for each other and not just ourselves in games.

“As a striker, scoring goals is a good way to show how you’re performing throughout the season. I’ve got 15 which I’m proud about and getting a hat-trick in the semi-final was really cool.

“The aim going forward is to get in and around the first team, whether it’s training or some match minutes here and there. I want to show that I want to be there and that I’m willing to put the work in.”

Fans are able to attend Sunday’s game, but please note that there is a limited number of seats available. There is plenty of room for supporters to stand, however.