Lee Mitchell believes City Women have gotten off to a good start in their league preparations following the Imps’ first two pre-season fixtures against Barnsley and Derby County.

Both games presented stern tests for City who continued to build their fitness in a high-intensity encounter against the Rams.

Mitchell was pleased with his side’s performance in the two games, while also acknowledging the strength of the opposition they have faced.

He said: “The games went the way we expected in terms of the competition. Derby are a very good team, and I’m sure they will do well again as they do every season in their league, so it was always going to be a tough test.

“There are no easy games, just like there are no easy games in our league, so your friendlies must portray that. We got what we wanted out of it, played a big squad tonight, we played two teams in the first and second halves. It’s more minutes in the legs for everybody, but we’ve got three games to go, and we need to start to hone it in ready for the season.”

Mitchell was also satisfied with the level of competition within the squad.

He added: “There’s also competition there, and you’ve got to keep that competition alive. So, it’s all fun and games but really they are competing against each other, and it’s a competitive squad this season, which we’re excited about.

“Players are going to have to compete, they’re going to have to fight for their place and that’s going to be shown in training and games. We’re off to a good start, we’ve not got to go back to square one or anything, we’re ahead of the game in terms of that, and that’s a joy really – it’s a bonus.”

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