We spoke with Coventry United’s Natasha Lynch, following her side’s storming start to the new year, in which they walloped Plymouth Argyle 11-0 to make up some ground in the FAWPL Southern Division title race.
SK: How good was that, to start the new year with an 11-0 win?
NL: Still buzzing with the result from Sunday’s 11-0 win, it was down to the desire shown by everyone involved with Coventry United Ladies to go and show the rest of the League that we are here to challenge for that top spot come May. After the Christmas break everyone was eager to get back to business and really kick on with the second half of the season and we were clinical in front of goal and kept it solid at the back when needed.
SK: Now eight games unbeaten, how vital is your defence in the title push, who have only conceded twice in that time?
NL: A solid back line is always vital if you wish to finish at the top of the table, the desire and application shown to defend and put bodies on the line has helped us go on an eight-game unbeaten run. If you can keep clean sheets then you are never going to lose a game and as a defender myself, a clean sheet is like scoring a goal and something our back line takes pride in.
SK: Who and / or what else has been the most pleasing aspect of the team’s form so far this season?
NL: To single out an individual for our team’s performance this season would be unfair as I believe it is a collective effort. The new additions to the coaching staff this season have give us, as a squad, some new ideas so thanks to Mick [Foy], Dave [Bean] and Gemma [Davies], who together make a great team. What has been most pleasing is the team’s desire to want to win games.
SK: What football-related pressies did you get or give for Christmas and what did you really want?
NL: As a team we done a secret Santa and I gave match day essentials like pre-wrap and tape in the teams colours, as well as a cheeky bottle of Malibu as my gift. In terms of football related gifts I received, I would to say trainers but that is nothing new with me.
Getting the chance to spend time with family over the Christmas period was the thing I enjoyed the most as I don’t get many opportunities to do this. It was also very humbling to spend time on Christmas morning visiting my sisters grave – she is my inspiration and what drives me on the football field.
SK: Do you prefer playing in the current rain-sodden pitches, or yearn for the traditional snowy and crisp surfaces?
NL; As a centre half, playing in wet conditions is a lot nicer when you go in for tackles, as we play our home games on 3G, the ball zips across the surface a lot quicker so the tempo to the games is higher. Traditional snowy and crisp surfaces always leaves my legs with lots of scars.
SK: What do you envisage the club can achieve in 2016?
NL: If we continue to push forwards and show the desire shown in Sunday’s game. then winning this League is something that is achievable with the squad we have. Teamwork is key and with so many leaders within the squad, anything is achievable. Looking forward to finishing this season off strong.
Photos: Jeff Bennett / Coventry United LFC.
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