Skipper Sims is looking for big finish

DERBY County Women will look to end their National Leage North season on a high when they travel to Turf Moor to play Burnley tomorrow.

Sam Griffiths’ side are seventh but could finish sixth after a mixed campaign in which they did win their first major trophy, the National League Plate.

Burnley are second and have won four of their past five league games.

But captain Amy Sims says the players should be up for the occasion of playing at a Premier League ground.

“To play at a Premier League stadium is incredible, it is always an occasion and experience for the girls,” said Sims.

“We relished it when we played at (Nottingham Forest’s) City Ground so it’s exciting and we’ve just got to take the game to Burnley really as we have absolutely nothing to lose.

“You’ve got to find that competitive spirit, anyone who plays football at this level, you play it because you want to win although the enjoyment factor has to be there.

“It is also an opportunity to show Sam (Griffiths, the manaher) why she would want you for next season.”

Sims says the season has been one of reflection for her in her first campaign as captain.

“It has been a rollercoaster, I think the cup has probably put a bit of promise over what’s been not a great season really in the league,” she added.

“You look at the team we’ve got and what we’re capable of and we should be absolutely higher up in the table but we’re not, so that’s an issue.

“It has been a challenging year, probably a year I have learnt the most as a footballer and it has been a season of growth and reflection and one, hopefully, we can build on going into the next season.”