By Aston Villa FC

Liles

Head coach Joe Hunt says Katie Wilkinson can help Villa Ladies get their season back on track as they gear up for Sunday's Durham encounter.

A 10-day break following a period of three games in seven days and an extra cup fixture has allowed the squad to focus on training since their heavy defeat to neighbours Birmingham City in the Continental Cup last time out.

They host a Durham side at Sutton Coldfield Town who sit four points behind the claret and blues with the same number of games played.

And Hunt is confident his troops can return to winning ways, especially if they perform to the same level as in the reverse fixture back in May.

He said: "The ten day break since our last game has done us some good.

"It's crazy how the fixtures are crammed into such a short period of time, especially when we don't have that many games to play in the season anyway.

"We've had to battle through it and unfortunately have not picked up the results we wanted.

"Our Continental Cup campaign has been awful - 11 goals conceded in two games.

"It's a team issue and not the fault of the people playing in goal or in defence - it's myself and the rest of the staff as well - we are in it together.

"But we can't continue to go down these lines.

"We're creative but don't take our chances and are very naïve with how we defend.

"We've worked hard on the training pitch to try and put it right.

 "Nobody wants to lose and 7-1 at home is embarrassing.

"We need to stand up and be counted now and show people we are a decent team.

"Our last game against Durham was one of our best performances of the season.

"Bethan Merrick came into the team that day and linked up extremely well with Liv and Katie but also helped herself to two goals.

"We were slick with our passing, inventive with our attacking and good in front of goal.

"If we can perform like that and become ruthless in both boxes, you'll see us take off."

Wilkinson

Influential forward Katie Wilkinson has three goals in her last five games - taking her total to eight in all competitions.

And Hunt is adamant she will add to her already-impressive tally as we edge towards the business end of the 2015 campaign.

He added: "Our last league fixture away at Reading was a good performance against a team that narrowly lost to the now FA Cup holders Chelsea.

"We played some nice football and looked a threat all game.

"We want to take that form into the Durham game and hopefully get a positive result.

"Beth has a way of combining well with Wilko and putting Katie into good positions.

"We've talked a lot recently about the need to help Katie like she does others.

"If we get her into better positions she will score goals, I have no doubt.

"She has eight goals already this season but she wants more and so do I.

"If we play to her strengths - she'll find the back of the net."

Kick-off at Coles Lane [B72 1NL] is 2pm.

Entry is £3 [adults] and £1 [over-65s/U16s].

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