By Paul Brown

Kelly Clarke is certain Villa Ladies will have a great season but is aware that they need to improve, starting this weekend against Charlton Ladies.

Despite beating Derby Ladies 4-0 in the League Cup, Villa Ladies have gone down in their opening couple of league games.

Clarke is positive the campaign will come together.

She said: "It's obviously not been the best start results-wise but I've seen enough to know that there are the makings of a good team there.

"The experienced pros - like myself - are really raring to go while the younger girls who have come through the centre of excellence are absolutely determined to make their mark.

"The likes of Aoife Mannion, Abbeyleigh Stringer and Katie Wilkinson look like top players and they will definitely be big names going-forward.

"What we need to happen now is for everyone to get used to playing with each other.

"In terms of the squad, we're quite new to each other. I think seven girls came up from the centre of excellence so it will take a bit of time to settle. Rome wasn't built in a day. But the signs are very good. I think we will improve week by week.

"Joe has got us playing a certain way and it's starting to show. We need to take the confidence from our Derby win into the Charlton game on Sunday.

"That will be a tough game, no doubt. As Joe said, they have been in the division a number of years and they'll offer a big test.

"But it would be good to see everything come together for us this weekend. We have to take it to them because we're at home. We'll be going all out for the win."

Clarke, 24, is a virtual regular on the wing and is similar in style to Manchester United ace Ryan Giggs.

She has great pace on the left and an amazing touch, able to set up chances and score goals.

She added: "I've made a reasonable start to the season but, like anything else, there's room for improvement.

"If I can get up to top form, I'm sure that will help the team in the final third, making us more creative."

Get along to Boldmere St Michael's Ground [Sat Nav: B73 5RY] to support Villa Ladies on Sunday at 2pm. Admission is £2.