AFCB

Women/Girls

Hillier: Confidence is flying high ahead of run-in

AFC Bournemouth women’s captain Gemma Hillier believes confidence in the camp is “flying high” ahead of the business end of the season.

The midfielder is preparing her troops for their final three National League Division One South West contests, in which a trio of wins would see the Cherries become champions.

Steve Cuss’s side, who have won their past four fixtures, host Selsey at Ringwood Community Hub on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

They then make the trip to face Moneyfields on Thursday (7.45pm) before a potential crucial showdown at current league leaders Exeter City on Sunday, May 5 (2pm kick-off).

Asked about the mood in the camp ahead of the final three games, Hillier said: “We set ourselves a target after the Keynsham game that we know we are in a mini-league at the moment.

“So far, we are winning that mini-league because we have won all the games.

“Our target is to win every game, so far we’ve done that. We are really happy and feeling really confident.

“Over the past few games every player has got loads of minutes, so everybody’s confidence is flying high.

“Everybody is really excited about the last few games. We’re excited to get three points every week, put in our best performance and show the crowd what we can do.”

A Team GB beach soccer representative, Hillier rejoined the Cherries at the start of this season after a two-year teaching post in Dubai.

“When I moved back, I got in contact with Steve straight away and from my first training session I knew I wanted to come back and join this group of girls,” the former Portsmouth star explained.

“It’s been the hardest working group of girls that I’ve ever worked with and we are all after the same target.

“It’s been a no-brainer to come back and I’ve absolutely loved every minute of playing with this team and working with the coaching staff.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be captain for every team I’ve played for. It’s an absolute privilege with a group of girls who all want the same thing.

“When some aren’t playing many minutes, they are really supportive on the side and that just makes a winning team, in my opinion.”