A few weeks ago saw Dartford take on Dulwich Hamlet at Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to Abbey Davies, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Abbey Davies arrived at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park last season, and has already become a vital member of the Dartford FC Women’s defensive unit.
Since her arrival, she has made 38 appearances (35 starts) and has scored an impressive 10 goals… the latest of which was a lovely low free-kick to all but secure the victory against Keynsham Town LFC.
Not only did the goal clinch the 2-1 win, it also ensured that Abbey and her teammates progressed through to the Third Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history.
Abbey’s performance earned her a well-deserved Player of The Match award, her third of the season already, which reaffirms her importance to this incarnation of the squad. Naturally, she was delighted after the game…
“Scoring was great, not only for me personally, but for the team as well. They all count.”
She continues, “I had a great first season at Dartford last year, so it was a no brainer for me to remain. I wanted to achieve more than we did last year, and I want to solidify myself as a player for the team.”
Judging by her statistics, Abbey has certainly achieved that last statement, as she’s virtually cemented herself into the left side of the defensive unit as a left centre-back. Is that her favourite playing position?
“Yes, I’m equally happy to play as either a centre-back or as a left-back. Ultimately, I just love playing football because, it’s always been a massive part of my life since I was four. Without it, things would certainly feel strange. The sport is a stress reliever, and it helps to keep my mind focussed.”
Keeping focused is a vital part of being a player under the leadership and guidance of management duo Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy. Especially now that the squad is striving for success and trophies on a regular basis. And those attributes align with Abbey’s too…
“I think that, ultimately, the team’s goal is to win the league! But, we are just taking each game as it comes. My personal goal this season is to become a bit more of a leader in the team and to improve on my performances compared to last year.
“In terms of my career goals, I’d like to progress as high as I can throughout the leagues and see where it takes me really. At the moment though, I’m fully focussed on Dartford.”
As she’s mentioned being focussed on the immediate task in hand, what does Abbey bring to the squad?
“I’d say my distribution and range of passing. My communication skills have improved this year as well, which probably sets me apart from a few players in the league. Since I’ve been here at Dartford, my mentality has become a strength of mine. If I’m having a bad game, I never used to be able to snap myself out of it. However, with Macca and Connor’s help, that has definitely improved. But, I am my own worst critic and, I suppose, I like to be a perfectionist. Obviously, that can’t always happen in football.”
Has she learnt anything valuable during her football journey so far?
“I think the most important thing I’ve learnt in football is, to always take your opportunities. Some moves to a different team might feel like a risk, but if that risk pays off, it’s worth it!”
The potential risks of Abbey moving to Dartford are certainly being outweighed by the positives, as she continues to grow and mature as a player. But the move still has its challenges…
“Juggling football and work is hard for sure, especially as I don’t live the closest to Dartford. We train on Mondays, where I won’t get home until about 10pm. Then on Tuesday I have to work from 8am until 7pm! Then it’s back to training after work on Wednesday, where I won’t get home until about 10pm. By Thursday, I’ve only got one eye open… HaHaHaHa! But I won’t change anything about it, it certainly keeps me busy!”
She continues, “I also go to the gym outside of work, which tends to be later on in the weekends. I’ve just started training for my marathon, which is next year. So, juggling that with football and getting adequate recovery time is hard. However, by setting myself short-term goals seems to keep me on track and also helps with the motivation side of things.”
Have there been any other challenges that she’s had to face?
“The biggest challenge I’d say was probably when I was younger. The opportunities for girls who played football was minimal compared to how it is now. In terms of current challenges, again I’d say juggling work and football is definitely my biggest challenge!”
Returning to the subject of this season, Dartford FC Women occupy third place in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table. Last time out in the competition, they beat Brentford 3-1 at Princes Park to close the gap to leaders Saltdean to just four points with two games in hand. Does Abbey think they’ll be top by the season’s end?
“I think our chances of winning the league this year are very high. We obviously don’t want to get ahead of ourselves yet but, yeah, I back us to win the league this year.”
Of course, preparation is essential for success. How does Abbey prepare herself for each Sunday?
“As far as matchdays are concerned, I’m not superstitious so there isn’t anything that I really do that’s the same. But, making sure I get a good night’s sleep the night before is always important! I actually don’t really eat much food before a game either, but Ria always supplies the goods in the changing room, so I’ll have a few snacks in there before a game.”
Has she ever received any advice that she lives by?
“It’s quite a cliche but, one of my coaches always used to say to me that hard work outworks talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Basically, trying to let me know to always work hard because it will get you places.”
And does she have any advice of her own for the next generation of footballer?
“Always keep working hard, take risks, and always aim high. Set standards for yourself and you can achieve anything.”
Sound advice from Dartford FC Women’s number six, who’s contributing towards setting higher standards for her team in the pursuit of perfection and success.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
The only thing I do is put my left foot on the pitch as soon as we do the walk out.
Favourite footballer?
Steven Gerrard.
Favourite football team?
Liverpool.
Favourite football moment?
Winning last week’s game (at the time of writing this) and getting into the Second Round of the FA Cup with Dartford! (I’m sure she’d add beating Keynsham Town LFC to get into the Third Round as well!)
Biggest role model?
My parents!
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Us, obviously!
Who are your biggest supporters?
My parents and my boyfriend.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a horse rider. I don’t feel like I come across as a horse rider girl!
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Golf.
Who will win the WSL this season?
Arsenal.
By Chris Palmer