YOU DO not want to be “that team that everyone can walk over.”
That was the message from Reading defender Molly Bartrip ahead of this weekend’s return to WSL 1 action against Notts County Ladies.
Royals are still seeking their first win since promotion to the top flight and face a big test of three games in eight days, starting with a trip to Meadow Lane on Sunday (5pm).
It has been three weeks since Kelly Chambers’ charges saw their FA Cup hopes dashed with a resounding 3-0 defeat at Sunderland Ladies as players embarked on international duty, but Bartrip is glad to finally get back to action.
“It’s been a tough week with regards to training,” she told The Wokingham Paper.
“A lot of information has been put on board and we’ve had to take it in and we’ve got to take it towards the weekend.
“It’s always nice going away internationally, going to St George’s Park is always good, but then coming back with the team is even better because you’re fighting for a league.”
Reading have one point from their two matches so far and Bartrip, who has played every minute in league and cup this campaign, says the side need that first win as soon as possible.
“It is massive,” she said.
“I think with regards to the season, the points on the board is going to be so big for us.
“Getting the points even early in the season is going to be so big for us and if we can get some goals as well that would be even better.”
Bartrip, who spent a few days away with the England Under-20s during the break, has enjoyed a run in the Reading first team in the absence of Kylie Davies and she admits she always has an eye on the international scene.
“I’m pretty sure (Kylie) is coming back soon,” she said.
“But fingers crossed if I keep going the way I’m going, I can hopefully cement my space in the team.
“It’s always good to have competition and I think a lot of us will be happy to have Kylie back as a person because she’s so experienced.”
She continued: “Unfortunately last year I got injured so kind of blew my chances of playing as much.
“I was out for about eight weeks with my MCL (knee ligament) so it was an unfortunate season but this season is a new start.
“I’m hoping with regards to England as well that I can kind of get my name out there and keep performing at the best I can.”
It has been a tough start to life in the top league defensively for the Royals so far, coming up against one of the title favourites in Arsenal before two games against last season’s surprise package Sunderland and hot-shot Beth Mead, conceding seven goals on the way.
That job is set to get no easier on Sunday with England internationals Ellen White, Rachel Yankey and Jess Clarke all in contention to try and turn the knife on the newly promoted side.
“That’s what you want to be tested against,” said Bartrip.
“I looked at Beth and I thought wow, she’s a top class striker, probably the best striker in the league last year.
“In the first game we managed her quite well and I think we all have to look at that, not just me but as a unit as well, we have to think of positives.
“Hopefully playing the likes of other strikers and internationals we can keep progressing and keep giving them a fight, giving them a little battle instead of being that team that everyone can walk over.”
As well as going full-time, it is a busy time away from the pitch for Bartrip.
Whilst juggling her playing career, Bartrip, 19, is also a studying sports and exercise science degree at Bucks New University and coaches Reading U12s girls team.
The young defender enjoyed success in her coaching role, guiding her side to an unbeaten league title earlier this month, and while she admits it is difficult to fit everything in, coaching is something she has no plans to give up.
“I’ve been coaching for about three years now,” she explained.
“There’s quite a few of us that coach at the club and we all enjoy it.
“I think it’s nice because all the kids look up to you and they want to be you so they come to the games and they always take on board every bit of information you give to them.
“It’s really nice to see that they’re also getting success, not just the first team.”
She continued: “I’m currently studying at uni as well and it’s quite hard to balance everything to be honest.
“But I would never take my coaching away.
“It’s something that I love and I actually thrive off it and I enjoy going in the evenings.”
