Nub News caught up with Brentford Womens vice-captain, Regan Graver, and midfielder, Nour Aboul Kheir, ahead of the team's game at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, 24 March. 

Not only is this the team's second-ever match at the Gtech, but it is also a league tie against Ashmount Leigh who beat the ladies right at the start of the season, in a narrow 3-2 defeat. 

When asked if this is the perfect venue for a rematch, with a slight smirk, Graver replies: "I think this time we're out for revenge. Out for redemption. 

"Coming back, playing in front of all these fans at the Gtech. It's the perfect setting." 

For some in the squad, the game on 24 March will be the first time they play at a stadium of such size. 

Having joined the squad last summer and making her Gtech debut in two weeks' time, Aboul Kheir explains the significance of the occasion for her personally. 

"I think the biggest crowd I would have played in front of was 200.  

"I'm in my head a lot and I don't want to disappoint people. It's not like I'm nervous that I'm going to mess up, it's just living up to the potential that Karleigh has put for us and my teammates too," the Midfielder says. 

Nour Aboul Kheir will be playing at the Gtech Community Stadium for the first time on 24 March 2024 (credit: Louis Dailey).

Graver, a member of the Womens team during their historic debut at the Gtech in 2022, where they secured a 4-2 victory against Watford Development Ladies, brings valuable experience to the squad. 

"Even just their presence on the pitch, they're all players that help you feel settled in. 

"In uncomfortable situations when we're not doing very well and the game is a bit chaotic, we have a lot of players that just know how to control the game," admits Aboul Kheir. 

She continues: "I know when we step onto that pitch (the Gtech) and everyone is nervous, we're going to have people like Regan, we're going to have people like Mollie Holmes who are going to settle us in quite quick." 

Aboul Kheir and Graver both understand that it "is just another game" as the squad knows what Head Coach, Karleigh Osborne, expects of them. 

Brentford Womens have gone 13 games on the bounce without losing this season (credit: Louis Dailey).

Calmly, Graver says: "We know what we have to do. I don't think there's much question about it. 

"As big as the game is, it is just another game and we have to carry on getting our wins and carry on moving up the table." 

Aboul Kheir confidently adds: "Karleigh knows what we're capable of. It's another game where we can show what we can do, the only difference is, there will be more people watching us." 

Despite it being Ramdan for Aboul Kheir, she explains that she will prepare for the big day at the Gtech like any other match. 

She says: "It's just drinking a lot of water and a lot of electrolytes - I think that's the biggest thing. 

"I don't believe it affects my game that much (fasting). 

"I believe that I'm doing Ramadan and God is with me, so as long as I'm mentally prepared, I should be okay." 

Currently, the team is enjoying a 14-match win streak after beating the Comets Ladies 7-1 yesterday (17 March) in the Capital Womens Cup Semi-Final. 

Brentford Womens will be playing at the Gtech for the second time ever (credit: Louis Dailey).

Reflecting on how far they have come, Graver says: "Moving on from a sort of rocky start to the season to now, I think we've definitely come into our own and know that we play well together and now we come into every game feeling confident." 

Sharing similar feelings, Aboul Kheir says: "As much as I don't want to admit it, we had to lose in the beginning for us to realise that we're not playing to our potential.  

"And I think once we all realised what we're capable of and we started training like the players we are, that's when we started fixing up." 

Apart from getting three points on 24 March, Graver acknowledges that enjoying the moment and the occasion, is just as special. 

"A lot of nerves will start kicking in next week, but I think it's just a great opportunity for us to just show what we've done and what we're capable of at the moment. 

"There's a lot of energy behind it and a vibe going into the game. I think everyone is feeling confident and excited." 

To buy tickets for Brentford Womens game against Ashmount Leigh, click here.

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