Stourbridge Women captain Amber Lawrence is striving for more success, as the club prepares for the Birmingham County Cup final against Wolves Women.
Lawrence (left) leads the celebrations as the Glassgirls continue their impressive form. (Credit Anthony Dunn/ Focus Dunn Sports Photography)
In the semi-finals, the Glassgirls travelled to Pirelli Stadium to face Burton Albion and came out victorious in a 5-0 win.
Wolves, who are the current holders of County Cup, beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the Black Country Derby to advance to the final.
Although Lawrence wants her teammates to approach the game in a confident manner, she is aware of the threats that the opposition pose.
She said: “We only found out on Sunday that we were going to face Wolves and we’ve faced them a couple of times over the last few seasons so it’s going to be a really tough test for us.
“But it’s an occasion and your previous experiences go out of the window and whichever team can turn up on the day and give their best is going to come out victorious.
“Obviously Wolves are a threat going forward and they’ve made some fantastic signings this season and although they’re without their main striker at the moment they keep scoring. But I think we’ve come such a long way and I think it will be a really interesting game and hopefully we can throw some challenges their way too.”
This will be Stourbridge’s second final this season with the club also reaching their first ever FA Women’s National League Plate final.
However, the Midlands side were unable to get their hands on the trophy, losing 3-1 to Leeds United.
Despite this, Stourbridge are top of the National League Division One, seven points clear of second-placed Doncaster Belles.
The league leaders have the best attacking and defensive records in the league, scoring 71 goals and conceding just nine in 16 games.
While Lawrence hopes her teammates can add to their previous successes, she has stressed the importance of enjoying the occasion.
Lawrence added: “We really want to capitalise on the success we’ve had in previous years and obviously this season we’ve reached the final, which is a real testament to the hard work that the girls have put in. It means everything to us.
“Ultimately, the final will be a celebration of what we’ve achieved this season, as nobody expected us to get to the National Cup final, the County Cup final and to be top of the league with eight games remaining. But it’s all about taking it one step at a time because that’s how we’ve got to the final.
“When we’re in the huddle before a game, my message to the girls is always play with a smile on your face because that’s what we need to do. We need to enjoy occasions like this.”
Lawrence joined Stourbridge in 2019, moving from local rivals Kidderminster Harriers.
After taking a break to have her first baby, Lawrence returned to the side last spring and has contributed to the title charge and cup run.
The club captain has made 24 appearances this season, scoring eight goals in all competitions.
The midfielder made her 50th appearance for the Glassgirls in the semi-final against Burton Albion.
While Lawrence has had a crucial role in Stourbridge’s impressive campaign, she has been quick to credit manager Andy Fisher for the side’s progress this season.
The skipper said: “Andy is such a fantastic guy and none of this would be possible without his drive and determination. He’s put his trust in me to go out and lead the girls this season and I couldn’t ask for more from him as a manager.
“I love working with him and he was the biggest motivator and the person who pushed me the most during my postpartum recovery and without him I wouldn’t be at the level I am today. He deserves the County Cup and he certainly deserves the league and on top of that he deserves the manager of the year award.
“People don’t understand how much he’s done for the club over the years in terms of the growth from tier six and all the sacrifices he has made to get the club to where it is today. He should be very proud of himself like we all are and I’m very lucky to have him as my manager.”
The County Cup final will take place on Tuesday 9th April at Molineux Stadium with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Fisher’s side return to league action this weekend, as they prepare to face Peterborough United at the JJ Mac Stadium Abbey Lawn.
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