The Robins set to return to the County Ground after a two-year hiatus when they take on Exeter City this weekend.
With the club keen to strengthen links between its men’s and women’s outfits, Sunday’s meeting marks the first time Town Women will get the opportunity to showcase their talents at SN1 since beating Poole Town 4-3 in front of a record-setting crowd in 2019.
Excited about the prospect of taking to the County Ground pitch, a first for Leask since joining the club in early 2020, the vice-Captain is eagerly anticipating playing in front of a strong home crowd.
She said: “I’m really excited; the whole team are buzzing. It will be great to play at the County Ground and hopefully have lots of support behind us, too.
“It [the opportunity] is massive, it gives us exposure, so hopefully people enjoy watching, and come and support more on a Sunday. The mood [in the dressing room] is definitely excitement. We can’t wait to play and showcase what we’re all about.”
Back in league action after more than a month, the Town defender is aiming to take lessons learned and the Robins’ recent cup form, which saw them score 23 times without reply in their last two outings, into the league, and believes the occasion will help to spur her side on this Sunday.
Leask said: “We can take a lot of confidence into this game. We’re playing well, and we want to continue with this form and bring it into league games. We’ve definitely learnt to be patient when playing, and this will show on Sunday.”
She continued: “I think the occasion will definitely help us push on. A lot of us have family and friends coming to watch, we’re all buzzing, and we want to showcase the team we are.”
Separated by six league places, Town’s opposition are currently riding high in third place in Division One South East of the Women’s National League, and while Leask respects the Grecians’ talents, she feels confident ahead of what Leask expects it to be a hard-fought contest between the two sides.
She said: “Exeter are a good team, they’ve done well so far this season and we know they have a good attacking threat. We’re looking forward to playing them, it will be a competitive match.”
Enthused by the possibility of setting a new attendance record, something Leask admits would mean a lot to her and her teammates, her message to Town faithful is simple.
“Get down and watch, support the ladies’ team because, at the end of the day, we’re one club. We’d appreciate the support so much.”
