The scorer of the only goal of the game against Enfield Town last weekend, Abi is fast becoming a fans favourite at Palace Ladies.
Her passion for the game, individual flair and goal threat are all helping create a player worth watching out for. In this exclusive interview for TEB, we get a chance to find out a little more about another of Dean Davenport’s 2015-16 squad.
Q. As with so many players, you have a day job so perhaps you could tell us what you do?
I am a personal trainer and sports therapist. Even at work, it is all about sport and fitness.
Q. How long have you been at Palace?
I moved here from Millwall and have been here about two seasons now.
Q. Why Palace?
I really liked the feel of it and felt that I could be a part of something that was building towards a bright future. The club has a great atmosphere, spirit and a lot of ambition.
Q. Much of that must be down to your coach?
Yes, Dean has a clear message and I think he knows how to get the best from us. He trusts us to be able to adapt styles and tactics as needed and creates a good buzz around training. We have a really good feeling among the squad and it carries over into our match play.
Q. Who are your best mates in the squad?
I get on with all the girls. They are a top group, but I guess Nicha (Dyett) and (Roschelle) Shakes are the two I am closest too.
Q. You are scoring pretty regularly from midfield for the Palace Ladies. It is an area that they have regularly added goals from in the past. Is that part of the requirement from Dean?
Well, in the past, I have spent a lot of time as a forward so scoring goals is a natural part of my game. Dean asked me to move back towards the midfield and do a job there. I am quite a creative player, so I guess it suits particularly when you look at the girls we have playing up front (Gemma, Shakes, Nicha and Mary). It seems to be working fine as we are scoring pretty regularly so far this season. The shift in position has meant adapting, but I am enjoying it and always love a challenge.
Q. So, what has been your favourite goal scored for the Eagles?
I would probably say it was the free kick against Gillingham earlier this season. As soon as we won the kick, I knew I wanted it and that I would score. You sometimes get that feeling. As I placed the ball, I knew it was going in. Everything felt right. I enjoyed that one!
You can see the goal CPLFC.TV YouTube channel.
Q. Who is it that you looked up to when your were starting out and developing as a footballer?
Being an Arsenal fan, it can only be Thierry Henry. He was a different class. Everything about his game, including of course his goals, were fantastic.
Q. How about at Palace? Current favourite player?
It is Dwight Gayle. He too can finish well. He does not get the chance that often, but when he does, he generally delivers. He has got that instinct for goal.
Q. So, how about your ambitions?
I am really keen to help get the team promoted. I think we can do it, and hopefully, I can be a big part of it, scoring plenty of goals along the way, I hope.
Abi travels to Ipswich Town as part of the squad involved in FA Women’s Premier League action this Sunday. The team are bidding for a seventh win from seven. Whilst there are some injury concerns, everyone remains confident.
Dean will have us well prepared. We have a depth of squad that will help us in situations like this. For sure, injured players will be missed, but we have good cover and hope to be able to bring three points home and take another small step towards what we all want and Crystal Palace deserves.
We wish Abi and the girls well and thank both her and chairman Richard Spokes for their time
Crystal Palace Ladies Football Club. South London and proud.
