Sheffield FC Ladies bid to keep Doncaster Rovers Belles hotshot quiet in South Yorkshire derby

Ward's side have endured a difficult start to their FA Women's Super League Two campaign and find themselves in eighth having won two and lost four of their opening six fixtures.

Their opponents Doncaster enter the contest unbeaten in the league courtesy of two wins and two draws in their first four outings.

The passion and extra competitive edge a derby game seemingly demands was something Ward welcomed amidst an unrewarding period for her teammates.

She said: “It is the sort of game you want right now, I see it as one of those games where form goes out of the window.

“It's the kind of game where you don't need to say too much to the players. It's only us that can turn things around and if you can't get up for a game like this then you shouldn't be playing at a football club.”

Fine margins have been the story of Sheffield's season so far with three of their four defeats being decided by one goal.

Ward feels her team are falling short in one area in particular that, once rectified, is sure to start bringing the results she feels their performances have been worthy of.

Ward said: “It is tough, we've not really got what deserve at times.

"We've dominated games at times but we've just lacked that killer instinct. It's all good moving the ball well as we have but if you can't put the ball in the back of the net you're going to end up where we are.

“We need to change in front of goal and this week in training we've been trying different players up top and different ideas.”

Doncaster come into the match-up on the back of a 3-3 draw with Everton Ladies in which star forward Courtney Sweetman-Kirk registered a brace to take her tally for the season to seven.

Ward identified stopping the striker as a key focus for Sheffield and one that could help drive the team to three valuable points following last week's 2-0 loss against Watford Ladies.

“We know a few of their weak areas and feel like if we stop Sweetman-Kirk up top we've got a great chance," she added.

Sweetman-Kirk herself claims it hasn't been a change in preparations or style of play that has fuelled her scoring run but instead her lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I've had a long layoff so it's been about coming back and really enjoying what I'm doing and scoring goals.”

The 26-year-old stressed the importance of not taking Sheffield for granted but does, however, believe her side's strong form has given them a boost heading into the game.

She said: “I think to a degree form does goes out of the window. We won't take Sheffield lightly but we feel we've been building up over the last 10 days and gained some real momentum.

“We've had a tough last two matches but we know if we step out on the pitch and play as we know we can, we've got a great chance of winning.”