The 2015 FA WSL fixtures were unveiled on Monday and Charlie Mitten caught up with Millwall Manager Dan Mlinar to find out his reaction to the Lionesses schedule.
Dan took on the Manager’s role in November, following a four game stint as joint caretaker boss and has been working hard with the Lionesses squad in pre-season to get them match fit and focussed for the 2015 campaign.
Mlinar admits that the fixture release has further whetted his appetite and he can’t wait for the season to start, saying, “I’ve been with the club for some time now but this will be my first full season as Manager so I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“The fixtures have been kind to us this year, you couldn’t really ask for more than to start your season with two home games at The Den. Our first match is against London Bees and it will be a great atmosphere under the floodlights. It’s a local derby and our matches are always very tight, so it should be a good game for the supporters.
“Then we’re at home to Everton which will be one of our toughest games of the season. Everton were in WSL 1 last season and they still have a lot of talented players on their books, so that game will teach us a lot about ourselves and the standard we will need to maintain this season.
“Most importantly we need to make the most of our home advantage in those two games. If we make a good start then I believe it can really snowball into a positive season.”
While Mlinar is looking forward to the League campaign, his first priority is the FA Cup with the Lionesses taking on Lowestoft Town Ladies in Third Round action at Beckenham this Sunday.
Lowestoft are unbeaten in League and Cup this season and Dan knows Millwall are in for a strong test, adding, “It’s a bit of a strange scenario for us because the Lionesses are more used to playing the role of underdogs.
“Lowestoft are a couple of divisions below us in the pyramid but their form this season is incredible. They haven’t lost a game all year and they average nearly five goals a game so we have got to show them the respect they deserve.
“I’m definitely expecting goals in this game and we know that Lowestoft are bringing plenty of support with them. We’d love Millwall fans to come out in numbers and get behind the team, this game has all the makings of a classic cup tie.”
Kick off in the FA Cup tie against Lowestoft is at 1pm this Sunday 1 February at Beckenham Town’s Eden Park Avenue ground, BR3 3JL
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