You thrashed Oxford 4-0 in 2023, followed by 3-0 last year. No pressure for 2025, right?

Alexia: True, but every year’s Varsity is different! As captain, you feel a certain sense of responsibility for the team and to keep the winning streak going, and I have full confidence in this amazing group of girls to get the third win in a row.

Have you been gathering any intel on the dark blues lately?

Reece: Not massively; we’ve mostly been focusing on our own games in the build-up. Of course, it’s always in the back of our minds, but we think we know what to expect from Oxford, and it’ll be a tough, hard-fought game, as it always is.

A: Oxford are newly in our league this year, so we’ve already played them twice, coming away with 3-2 and 2-1 wins! This was good preparation both for our tactical awareness of how they play and the mental side of this matchup, giving us a boost.

Is home advantage truly real?

R: It makes a massive difference, of course. Knowing that the majority of the crowd is behind you, cheering you on calms the nerves.

A: Absolutely. Last year’s atmosphere, with over 2000 people at the Abbey, was electric - hearing and seeing many familiar faces in the crowd motivated us to play our best football and want that win even more.

Sum up the emotions of a Varsity matchday in 3 words.

R: Pride, Nerves, GDBO

A: Excited, determined, eager.

One to watch?

R: We have a lot of top-quality players all over the pitch who are capable of winning us a game at any moment. So, I couldn’t possibly just pick one player to watch.

A: From such a talented team, it’s really difficult to choose just one. But if I had to, it’s Alissa Sattentau, our striker - she’s been an absolute goal machine this season. She’s currently our league’s top scorer, with 10 goals in 10 games in all competitions so far, and I’m so excited to see her tear it up at Varsity.

Most likely to start a GDBO chant?

R: We’ve got a lot of Ultras in the ranks, and with a 7.45pm kick-off, the drinks will be flowing, so there will be a lot of chants started by various people.

A: Last year’s Eagles captain Georgia McConachie – she was the loudest voice chanting at the Abbey last year, hoping for a repeat!

Score a 90th-minute Varsity winner or top tripos?

R: 90th-minute winner, of course. Not even a contest.

A: Nothing beats the feeling of scoring a last-minute winner, especially in front of a home crowd.

One essential song for the after party at Kiki’s?

R: Can’t Hold Us, Macklemore - being crushed under the toppling masses on the dance floor at Kikis is always fun.

A: Freed from Desire – quintessential football song.

(Somewhat) honest predictions?

A: Expect 90 minutes of a competitive match-up. With respect to a good Oxford side, I believe we’re easily coming out on top with a 3-0 win.

R: 2-0 win for the Light Blues.

Catch this year’s football Varsity matches from 4pm on the 21st March at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.