Sports Direct Women’s Premiership… Gracie Conway targeting more goals as Glens look to stay top

GRACIE Conway is determined to keep her impressive run of form going as Glentoran welcome Derry City to the Blanchflower Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3.00pm).The Northern Ireland international bagged her first hat-trick for the Glens in last Friday night’s 4-2 win at Crusaders.The trebles at Seaview moved Conway on to seven goals for the season following her move from Lisburn Rangers ahead of the new campaign and the teenage striker is determined to keep doing her bit for the team.“It’s been pleasing to get a few goals since joining the club but the most important thing is the results for the team,” said Conway.“If I can play my part in helping Glentoran win matches then that will make me happy, thankfully I’ve been able to do that on a few occasions this season already, but I want to continue to make a contribution.“I’m only a young player and I know I have a long way to go in terms of my game, but I feel that I’m making good strides forward.“It was pleasing to get my first hat-trick for the club last week, however as I said the most important thing was that we came away from the game with all three points.“Here at Glentoran the coaches are constantly striving to help us improve and they set the standards.“We as players know we have to work hard and hit those standards which in turn will help us achieve our goals.“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here and I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way so far.“I know though that I have to keep working hard and producing out on the pitch to keep my place in the team.“I want my first season at the club to finish on a high first and foremost for Glentoran and also for myself personally.”Last week’s victory over Crusaders moved Glentoran top of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Derry City.Conway insists the squad are determined to stay there for as long as possible.“Last week’s win at Seaview was important for a number of reasons but obviously moving top of the Premiership was a key factor,” said the striker.“That’s where we want to be obviously but it’s still early days as we have only played four league games so there’s a lot of football still to come.“We know it’s going to be a real battle from now until the end of the season as Cliftonville are right there with us on 12 points having won all their games as well.“The last few seasons have followed a similar path for both clubs and it looks like this campaign is going to be more of the same.“This is my first season with Glentoran so I have to get used to that pressure and expectancy of winning every game you play in.“Thankfully we have so many great pros at the club who have years of experience behind them

dealing with this as well as the manager and the coaching staff.

“You just have to take every game as it comes and not look too far down the line as those games will take care of themselves.“Our most important game is always the next one and that happens to be Derry City on Sunday.“We will be determined to keep up this momentum we have built in the league and stay in the top spot for as long as possible.“There is a real focus and determination about this squad and we are fully aware of what we have to do when we go out onto the pitch.”