AFC Bournemouth women’s team goalkeeper Katie Scadding said keeping a clean sheet on her return to action had given her a “huge confidence booster”.
Scadding was back between the sticks for the Cherries’ 4-0 win over National League counterparts Southampton Women at Test Park on Thursday.
The 22-year-old replaced Daniela Kosińska who was ruled out after sustaining a thigh injury during a collision with Chloe Snook in the 4-2 win against Bridgwater United last Sunday.
Scadding, who accompanied her teammate to hospital, is expected to keep her place when the Cherries host Division One South West strugglers Torquay United at Ringwood Community Hub on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
“It’s been quite a difficult few days,” said Scadding, who has won three promotions during her eight years at the club.
“It’s never nice seeing a teammate go down injured and the first thing on my mind was to make sure Dani was okay and that she gets better.
“I knew I would have to step in at short notice against Southampton but I felt ready to come in and, credit to the team, because we got the job done.
“Dani and myself have always trained well together. We work hard and I think we have a really strong goalkeeping unit here. She was watching the game and giving her support.
“I was buzzing to keep a clean sheet and I know she will have been pleased for me. It’s the same when I watch her and she doesn’t concede. It’s what you want as a goalkeeper.
“It was a huge confidence booster for me ahead of the Torquay game on Sunday. I’ve been working hard in training and Dani has been doing well in the games.
“We’re in a competitive environment so, when called upon, you have to be ready to help out. I just told myself to keep it simple, be confident and do what I do best.
“It can be quite frustrating and quite tense watching from the sidelines. But I will always back anyone who’s on the pitch and we’ve got depth in the squad.
“Southampton are fighting to stay up and we’re fighting for promotion. Our game plan was to get at them from the start and we were 4-0 up after 25 minutes.
“We know the second half wasn’t our best, but we can’t be disappointed. It’s another three points and it keeps us chasing Exeter. Just tell us a little bit.
“Torquay are in a similar position to Southampton so they will be fighting as well. They will want to win their last few games so we will need to be ready.”
Entry and parking at Ringwood Community Hub is free to supporters.
