Powell springs Maya a big blue surprise
MAYA LE TISSIER can dream even bigger after making her first appearance at the very top flight of English women’s football.
Against expectations within her own family, she made the starting XI for Brighton and Hove Albion WFC as they faced defending champions Chelsea in Women’s Super League action on Sunday.
This appearance comes after her midweek first team debut in the Women’s League Cup match against Crystal Palace.
The Seagulls’ young new No. 23 again played every minute of the game and provided a good account of herself in central midfield.
Brighton may have lost 4-0 to a strong showing from the blues, but manager Hope Powell offered great praise for the Guernsey youngster’s performance.
‘I’ve got to say Maya was fantastic today ... it was a big game and she showed herself today,’ said Powell in a post-match interview.
‘That’s credit to us and it’s something that we’re looking to do, to promote the development squad players and give them an opportunity to play.
‘She played against Palace and did well and that’s why I put her in today. Wednesday gives us another opportunity to give players minutes.’
Le Tissier will have the opportunity to start again tomorrow against Yeovil.
She will no doubt be hopeful of a third start, having been incredibly grateful for the opportunities so far.
‘Another unbelievable experience, playing 90 minutes on my league debut. This is what dreams are made of,’ the Sarnian star tweeted after the Chelsea game.
Furthermore, she is due to attend a training camp on Thursday at St George’s Park alongside several other England U17 prospects.
This is all part of a plan to boost her development as a core squad member for both Brighton seniors and the England junior side as the Euros beckon.
‘With England focusing purely on those elite [European U17 Championship] rounds in March, I’m working hard for that with training camps and things up ahead,’ added Le Tissier.
‘When I’m with the club, that’s where all the graft happens – you’ve just got to keep on working hard and grafting away, that’s how the opportunities come about.’
n GRAND FORT ROAD neighbours North and Vale Rec are scheduled to clash for FNB Priaulx League points at Northfield tomorrow night. Victory for fourth-placed North would take them to within five points of third-placed Rovers with a game in hand.
