“We had a point to prove” says Hill ahead of two potential titles for Gloucester City Women

Gloucester City Women Manager Chris Hill says his side had a point to prove this season, ahead of a couple of weeks that could see both sides clinch their league titles.

City’s Reserves side could secure the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division Two title next weekend, when they head to Downend Flyers Reserves, whilst the First Team need two wins from their final six fixtures to clinch the South West Regional Women’s Football League Division One North title.

Both sides lead the way in their respective tables, after both being unlucky in their title races last season.

The First Team were seen off by AEK Boco and Weston-Super-Mare, whilst the Reserves side unlucky in their title bid, losing out to Longlevens last term.

Speaking on this week’s Buttee’s For Breakfast show, Hill admits that it was important for both squads to be reshaped – including coaches, in order to come back and fight for the titles again this season.

“There’s a lot of work that has gone in, in both squads. Reshaping the squads, bringing in different coaches etc, and the rewards are there to see now and it is really pleasing for us as a club,” said Hill.

“We had a point to prove. It’s no secret we felt a little bit annoyed that the Reserves couldn’t step up in second place, but it was all about ‘right, let’s not leave any room for doubt or question’ this season and let’s go out there, build a team and a squad that can deliver,” added Hill.

This weekend sees both sides taking a break from league action, with both set to play in their respective County Cup Semi Final.

City’s Firsts host Cheltenham Saracens in the Women’s Trophy, whilst the Reserves head to GFA HQ to take on North Bristol Wanderers to try and reach the Women’s Challenge Cup final.

But even though there is a prospect of both sides reaching the final, Hill reiterated that it is important to not take anything for granted and reminds his sides that they will need to earn their spots in the finals.

“It would be massive [for both sides to reach the County Cup final] but I don’t like to think in those terms at the moment.

We’re 90 minutes away, both sides are 90 minutes away. We’ve got to earn out right to play and we can’t even think that we are just turning up and making the final, that is ridiculous, we’ve got a game to win first,” said Hill.

“In training this week, the focus has very much been on what are we going to do to combat the relative threats from the opposition and how are we going to make sure that our style of play comes over and we are victorious.  

It’s not a given that either side will make the final, we have to work hard and earn that right,” Hill added.

Listen to Chris Hill’s full interview where he discusses next season and beyond for Gloucester City Women on Saturday 15 March, live from 9am.

READ MORE: Check out the list of fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here

READ MORE: Check out the list of Sunday’s Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here

Cover photo taken and copyright Jamie Brain Photography. Visit his Instagram @jamiebrain_photography