Oxford United midfielder Katherine Nutman admits her side will be learning on the job when the curtain comes up on their maiden FA WSL 2 campaign on Monday.
Nutman & Co host London Bees at Abingdon in their first foray at this level, but with a squad brimming with young talent – including England U19 goalkeeper Demi Lambourne – optimism is high.
A heavy Third Round defeat to Sunderland ensured Oxford were not in FA Women’s Cup action at the weekend, meaning Monday marks a return to competitive action for the first time since early February.
Oxford v London Bees
FA WSL 2
7.45pm, Monday 14 April
Abingdon United FC
Tickets £5 adults, £2 concessions
As a result, Nutman believes there could be a few cobwebs to blow off in the early stages – but she’s adamant Oxford are not in the WSL 2 simply to make up the numbers.
She said: "I think we are all looking forward to it, it's been a really long pre-season so everyone’s wanting to get stuck in now and get on with the games.
"Everyone knows how important pre-season is so we've been putting the hard work in but it will be good to reap the rewards of that work and see the results on the pitch.
"For everyone it's going to be a learning process, no-one really knows what to expect. I think we are looking to make a good account of ourselves, hold our own in the League and then look to progress as the years go on.
"I think a lot of the teams have got a few new players, including us, so it's difficult to know who will do well really.
"We're feeling good ahead of our first game. We are excited to go out and do our best."
The Bees, meanwhile, are also entering unchartered territory as newcomers to the WSL but goalkeeper Cherie Rowlands knows what to expect, having spent the back end of last season at Arsenal.
She explained: "I went on loan to Arsenal at the end of the season.
"I came away with a Continental Cup winners' medal, it was my first experience of playing in the WSL and it was a massive step for me.
"I got chucked in at the deep end, landed on my feet and hopefully I can help others do it with the Bees.
"I can’t wait to get started. I finished with Arsenal in November and it’s exciting to get back to it."
