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Excitement around the club - Mark

Women's Football News 16 Mar 2013

Bristol Academy manager Mark Sampson insists that his team is in fine fettle ahead of the opening match of their new season.

Academy travel to the Keepmoat Stadium to play Doncaster Rovers Belles in the Fifth Round of the F.A.Women's Cup and Sampson said: "I know my players are really looking forward to getting started on Sunday, our preparations have been fantastic giving us a real excitement for the season.

"We know to get through to the next round we would have to come through a tough challenge, and it doesn't get tougher than going away from home to face a fellow WSL club. Going to Doncaster you know they are a team who will be well organised looking to make life as difficult as possible for you. They also have a forward line that on their day can prove a big challenge for any defensive line.

"All of our games against Doncaster have been very difficult and very close encounters, but we've never really managed to produce our very best. Sunday we are looking to go away from home and produce a big team performance."

Academy have a good record in the competition in recent seasons, reaching the Final two years ago and last season they were beaten semi finalists. "Our preparation has been focused with the players showing a real determination to take on board the new concepts the staff have put across to them," added Sampson. "The shape of the team now I am very comfortable with I believe we have found a style that suits the qualities of the players allowing them to express their talent combined with a lot of hard work and running!

"You can feel the excitement around the club that has been building towards the game. The players are really looking forward to the game and are hoping to make it a memorable start to the season for our supporters and everyone at the club.

"Everyone learnt a lot from last season which will help us this season, I know I am a far better manager than I was this time last year and the team know we are a much stronger group. I hope again this season we can make everyone connected with the club proud with our attitude and togetherness."