SOUTHAMPTON Saints plan to make experienced defender Sammy Howarth skipper for Sunday's home match against Barnet - only her second first-team outing.
Although the former England, Liverpool, Tranmere and Doncaster Belles centre-back joined the club in October, she did not make her debut until last week's 3-1 home win over Enfield. Her calm head and organisational skills were instantly apparent and, with seven games left to secure promotion back to the FA Women's Premier League National Division, manager Sue Lopez believes she will be key to the side's success.
"The team is very young and Sammy is the ideal person to organise the defence and set a good example," said Lopez, whose side are three points clear of Bristol City at the top of the Southern Division - albeit the Robins have two games in hand.
"It's time to roll up our sleeves and show whether we have the will and character to finish the job by winning that one promotion spot," said Lopez.
Kick-off on Sunday is 2pm at the Denplan City Ground.
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