Match preview
Lee Burch: It’s very important to use the momentum
7th November 2025
Rugby Borough Women FC manager Lee Burch says maintaining momentum will be key as his side travels to face Sporting Khalsa this weekend.
Borough come into the fixture in fine form, sitting third in the league after back-to-back wins over West Bromwich Albion and Hull City.
The team’s dominant 4–0 victory away at Hull last weekend capped off a strong run of performances that has seen them take maximum points and score seven goals in two games.
Reflecting on the team’s recent form, Burch said consistency has been the most satisfying part of Borough’s progress over the past week.
"I think the most pleasing aspect is backing up the performance and result after a good win on Wednesday and showing consistency across the week. Travelling away gives us a challenge in itself so three points on the road is always pleasing. I think the way we continue to dominate the ball is really key. There isn’t a game this year when we haven’t had the ball more than the opposition.”
The manager also praised his side’s ability to control matches and turn dominance into results, highlighting how their possession play continues to develop on a weekly basis. Despite this, Burch also noted the importance of maintaining that same level of focus and intensity
heading into another difficult away test.
“Yeah three game weeks pushes the physical and mental loading of the players and with maximum league points taken it’s very important to use the momentum. That includes all aspects, from our training to analysis and making sure the whole week has that momentum leading into Sunday. I still want us to find that real ruthless edge, we had a period of creating but not taking our chances. Across the seven goals in the last two games, it has been a strong mixture of set pieces, tap-ins, team goals, direct play and individual brilliance that has brought the goals. That needs to continue.”
This weekend’s opponents, Sporting Khalsa are currently sitting in 10th position just above the drop zone. However, the Borough boss acknowledged the visitors’ work rate and organisation, insisting his team must remain patient and disciplined.
“They are a hard-working group that has had a good start to the season, and they have shown they can be really tough to break down at times. They have some strong individuals also that can create and take chances.”
While Burch’s focus remains on continuous improvement, he credited the strength and depth of his squad for helping manage the busy fixture schedule.
He also praised the impact of players who have stepped into the starting lineup and off the bench in recent weeks.
“Consistency is always ideal, but we are really lucky that the depth and quality of squad is great here. Look at the recent impact of players like Jess Camwell coming into the starting 11 as well as those that have impacted hugely from the bench. Mai and Sofia combining to score Sunday or Clevs, Lants etc coming into games this week and heavily impacting games for us. The squad is so strong, which gives me tough choices.”
Defensively, Borough have also tightened up, conceding just once in their last two outings. Burch praised the collective effort at the back and the commitment shown across the pitch to preserve clean sheets.
“We had a period when a few goals we conceded we weren’t pleased with as a squad. We are lucky to have fantastic goalkeepers and if you have seen the video of Poppy’s save at 4-0 versus Hull to keep the clean sheet you can see the celebrations from the whole team.Like another goal, that’s how we have to be.”
Rugby are currently third in the league with 17 points, just behind Wolves and table toppers Burnley. With the team in strong form and confidence growing, Burch hopes his players can carry their momentum into this weekend’s clash and continue applying pressure near the top of the table.
“Stoke are a good side with a lot of good individual players- they beat us at home last season, and it took a last-minute winner to beat them away. We know their qualities, but we will focus on one game at a time, and we look forward to Khalsa. We are in a good position after the games so far and we want to keep putting pressure on the front two before jumping in when we can, either with a slip-up from them or those games. Ultimately, it’s still in our hands to be in the top two and we have huge belief we can do that this year!”
