Women's Preview | Blackpool v Wanderers

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In the first of four consecutive away trips in the league, Bolton Wanderers Women head to Blackpool looking to make it 17 games unbeaten in the Division One North.

Fresh from their 1-1 draw with Penrith last weekend, the Whites ensured their six-point cushion at the top of the table remained intact ahead of the their clash with the Seasiders on Sunday afternoon.

Jess Lightfoot's 22nd goal of the campaign, after good work from Eboni Bradshaw and Neishai Gordon, was cancelled out by Charlotte Smith's second-half header, meaning Wanderers dropped their first points of the season after 15 straight victories - but maintain their impressive unbeaten run. 

With just six league games to go and the Whites firmly in the end-of-season run-in, they will look to record a league double over Sunday's opponents when making the trip to AFC Blackpool this weekend. 

Just over a month ago, Myles Smith's side ran out 5-0 winners - with a Faye Knox hat-trick and Lightfoot brace helping to ensure victory at Lostock. Despite the scoreline, the Tangerines stood firm for large periods of that game, providing a sterner test than the score may suggest with Wanderers' goals coming deep into the second half. 

Currently sitting in the relegation places but knowing a victory could take them out of the drop zone, Blackpool will look to secure points towards their push for survival - with their recent form suggesting they will push Wanderers all the way this weekend.

Losing narrowly to Haslingden last time out, Pool last tasted victory two weeks ago when beating local rivals Preston North End 4-1, emphasising their ability to get results against sides above them in the table. 

It's something that Myles Smith and his coaching staff are aware of, and have worked on this week with the team in training to try and combat against it. 

"They are a well organised team and really made us work for the victory back in February," Smith said.

"It's very easy to look at the scoreline and think we breezed the game - and our performance on that day was really good - but Blackpool made it hard for us at the same time.

"They are a team that are fighting against relegation with games running out to pick up points. So for them, every game they are desperate to get points and getting something from the team at the top of the league can help to build momentum and confidence. 

"So at this stage, they're fighting and we need to be prepared of that. The team know this, and even though we didn't have as much fight as we'd like against Penrith last week - which can happen from time-to-time - the best way to react to that is to bounce back the week after. 

"On Sunday, that's what we are looking to do."

Click here to watch Myles Smith's pre-match preview in full.

Match Information

Date: Sunday 9th March
Kick-Off: 2pm
Location: AFC Blackpool, Jepson Way, Blackpool, FY4 5FH
Tickets: Free - just turn up on the day!
Match updates: Available across BWFC Women's Social Media Channels

Read Time: 3 mins