Purfield relishing 'massive' game for Saints
Jemma Purfield joined Southampton in 2023 after leaving Leicester City
- Published
Southampton captain Jemma Purfield is looking forward to a "massive" game against Newcastle United.
A big crowd is expected at St James' Park, where a win would be a huge boost for the Saints in their bid to win promotion from the Championship to the Women's Super League.
Purfield's side are fourth in the table, five points behind leaders Birmingham City, having played a game fewer than the Midlands club.
"We know that’s going to be massive," Purfield told BBC Radio Solent.
"We know they’re getting a big crowd, playing at St James’, so enjoying that occasion but not letting it get the better of us will be really important.
"I’ve got no doubt that the girls will do that. We’re focused, we’ve got a job to do and we’ll go there and do that."
Southampton will face another big game the following Sunday, away to local rivals Portsmouth in the Women's League Cup.
Last month they beat Pompey 5-0 at Fratton Park in a one-sided league match.
Left-back Purfield, 27, said: “It felt like everything clicked that day. It was an unbelievable performance.
“Pompey is always a tough game. It’s a rivalry. We’re going to their place again and we’ll be looking forward to that and making sure we come out with a result."