AFC Bournemouth
Molly Barron-Clark knows AFC Bournemouth will need to be on their mettle when they put their 100 per cent winning start on the line against National League counterparts Moneyfields.
The clubs have enjoyed a healthy rivalry as they have progressed through the women’s pyramid and lock horns at Ringwood Town’s Long Lane headquarters on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).
Nothing could separate them when they did battle in the National League for the first time last season with both games ending in draws, although Moneys finished third in their debut campaign in Division One South West, one place and one point ahead of the Cherries.
Barron-Clark experienced the rivalry first hand when former club Portsmouth faced Moneyfields in previous seasons and is anticipating another hard-fought and lively encounter as the Cherries bid for a seventh successive league victory.
Portsmouth-born Barron-Clark told afcb.co.uk: “There’s big rivalry between Moneyfields and Portsmouth and ours isn’t much different. With local rivalry involved, it should be a great game to watch.
“A few players left Portsmouth and joined Moneyfields for whatever reason and we’ve got a few ex-Pompey players here at Bournemouth.
“When Moneyfields started a new, young team a few years ago, they brought in some ex-Pompey players to add a bit of experience and game understanding.
“They are going to be tough, physical and strong. They will be very clever in the way they approach the game, both physically and mentally.
“They will try to get into our heads and bully us off the ball. They are a very well organised team with a mix of experienced players and young and quick players.
“We know what to expect from them so, hopefully, we can either match them or be one per cent better than them.”
Now in her fourth season with the Cherries, Barron-Clark has netted once and supplied no fewer than eight assists as Steve Cuss’s team have climbed to the top of Division One South West following six wins on the trot.
The experienced 32-year-old, who was named best beach soccer player in the world in November 2021, insisted the Cherries would not rest on their laurels following their encouraging start to the season.
She said: “We’ve started well and strong but there is still a lot to learn and give. We’re always learning as players and coaches.
“Taking one game at a time seems to be working for us at the moment and that’s how we’re going to approach the season. Focus on the next game and do the best we can.
“The preparation we are receiving from the coaching staff is really helping every player. If we can build on our promising start then, hopefully, we will continue to get the results we need.
“I’m trying to perform to the best of my ability to help the team as much as possible. Whether that’s goals or assists, they are just as good in my eyes.
“As a team, we celebrate every little victory, whether it’s blocking a shot, making a tackle, scoring a goal or supplying an assist. Together, collectively, we’re doing everything we can to get the results we need.”
Barron-Clark was also asked about the impact of the club’s five summer signings – Gemma Hillier, Gemma McGuinness, Alisha Buckingham, Olivia Venditto and Daniela Kosinska.
“They have all fitted in superbly,” she said. “They have come straight in, got their heads down and given everything. They have done everything the coaching staff have asked of them.
“We’ve gelled really well and really quickly. We’re still learning the small details about each other and that will come but we’ve clicked in games.
"It’s been a massive help bringing in the new players because they’ve really helped us go that extra mile.”
Entry to Long Lane is free.
