London City Lionesses prepare to face Birmingham City under the lights of Princes Park

Tonight, the London City Lionesses are back in action in the Continental Cup, as they prepare to host WSL side Birmingham City.

For the Lionesses, the wind will most definitely be in their sails, following both the 6-1 victory in the FA Cup over Ashford Town, and the 1-0 win over Brighton in the last match in the Conti Cup.

On the subject of the Ashford win on Sunday, manager Melissa Phillips was full of praise for the adaptability of her team.

“We made some really good adjustments throughout the game. Obviously, it's difficult to prepare for games like these and credit to our group, they recognised things quite quickly at half-time and were able to make some good adjustments.

“I’m so proud of the group as a whole. It’s really important for everyone to be prepared within their roles and responsibilities, regardless of minutes played.”

The Continental Cup on Wednesday marks game two of a busy week for the Lionesses, with a league clash with Bristol City awaiting them on Sunday.

Yet for Phillips, the midweek cup games are always seen as a great chance for the team to grow and learn against different opposition.

“We're looking forward to the Conti Cup match up,” she said, “anytime we play teams in the Super League it's an opportunity to stretch ourselves.

“Birmingham against Man City on the weekend was a close match up, so we know they'll bring a tough test for us.

“We have to be prepared and focused but most importantly, I think the theme from Sunday is the ability of the players to problem solve, recognise and respond together. They will be the same things that they'll need to carry through to Wednesday's match.”

Birmingham will undoubtedly prove to be a tough test for London City, as despite sitting in 11th in the WSL, having only picked up one point all season, under new interim manager Darren Carter they look a dangerous prospect.

For City though, all eyes continue to look ahead towards the final game of 2021, at home to Bristol City.

“Everything that we do this week with the matches will be in preparation for the league,” remarked Phillips, “it's two tests and opportunities for us to prepare ourselves.

“We have an opportunity with the Conti Cup game to play another Super League team, and really challenge and stretch ourselves, but everything, ultimately, is going to be in preparation for the next league match.”

London City Lionesses take on Birmingham tonight at 7 o’clock at Princes Park. Click the link to get your tickets now!