SOUTHAMPTON Saints go into tomorrow's game against Tranmere Rovers at Winchester City (2pm) fuelled with renewed hope of survival in the FA Women's Premier League National Division.
Head coach Ivor Gumm believes that a repeat of last Sunday's excellent performance in the 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic could see them claw back half the six-point deficit on third-to-bottom Everton.
Gumm reasoned: "We've got four games left to get six points and if we can beat Tranmere, then we'd need one more win against Fulham, Arsenal or Doncaster Belles.
"They're all tough games, but it can still be done if we can get a lucky break. I'd be happy for the ball to go in off someone's backside, so long as it keeps us up!"
Army midfielder Alex Cottier will be sidelined again on Sunday, having missed the Charlton game with an Achilles tendon injury.
Striker Sarah Stainer is also out due to a suspension carried over from her old club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Saints' recent signing Nicole Emmanuel and clubmate Daniella Bird are included in the England under-17 squad for a four-nation tournament in Northern Ireland next month.
As well as facing the host nation and Scotland, England will be able to test their potential against an American side widely regarded as the benchmark for quality in the women's game.
Daisy Burnfield, Southampton FC's Girls' Centre of Excellence goalkeeper, has been invited to join the England under-15s' training squad at Lilleshall from April 23-25.
Saints complete their CoE League programme with two home matches at Stoneham Park, Eastleigh (10.30am) - against Colchester tomorrow (April 5) and Arsenal on April 12.
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