De Graaf Looking To Continue Good Form
- LCFC Women take on Crystal Palace Women at Hayes Lane on Sunday (2pm kick-off)
- Defender Esmee De Graaf previews the FA Women's Championship encounter
- She told LCFC.com that the squad want to build on victory over Liverpool with another positive result
- You can follow all of the action this weekend via LCFC Women's official social media accounts
Last weekend's 2-1 win over Liverpool maintained City's unbeaten start to the FA Women's Championship season, with goals from Lachante Paul and Paige Bailey-Gayle securing victory in Quorn.
While De Graaf was pleased to take all three points, she knows there are plenty more challenges to come, starting with facing Crystal Palace at Hayes Lane.
"It was great to get the win from the Liverpool game last week as they’re also trying to win the league," the 23-year-old told LCFC.com.
"Beating Liverpool was massive, they are a huge club with loads of experience, so to be able to take three points out of that game was great for the team.
"Obviously we would have like to get more from the games we drew, but we still earned a point from both Durham and Sheffield United, which is of course better than getting none.
"It means we are still unbeaten, which is great for us, but wanting three points from each game shows the hunger and desire from the team as we always want to do better."
De Graaf believes everyone is raring to get back on the pitch this weekend and continue a positive start to the campaign, which has only increased confidence within the squad.
"Training this week was good and sharp and of course we had a little laugh on the side as well, which helps a lot to boost morale," the Dutch international added.
"Crystal Palace will be a tricky game, they are organised and physical so it will be a big game for us and we know it will be tough away from home.
"It’s actually the first time as a group we will be on the road. Due to COVID-19 we haven’t travelled during pre-season.
"So it will be nice to get on the road with the girls and have an overnight stay. We have a quiz night planned, which will be fun and good for the team morale.
"There is a nice mix of youth and senior players in the team so there is always good banter going on with the girls."
All times BST.