City host Manchester United on Sunday 13 February in a crunch FA Women’s Super League clash with Gareth Taylor’s side looking to close the gap on the Reds in the table and reclaim the all-important bragging rights.
Hemp, who scored in our last Derby win – a 3-0 triumph almost a year ago to the day – says she and the team cannot wait for the clash and with the game set to be contested in front of a sell-out crowd, highlighted the importance of the ever-passionate support from the stands.
“We’re really excited,” she told mancity.com. “We have an exciting month ahead with some really big games coming up and these are the games you want to be part of.
“From previous experience, Derby games have been great games for both sets of fans and for the neutral so it’s one for everyone to look forward to.
“We’ve had some great crowds over the past few weeks with amazing support and hopefully, we’ll have that again.
“Fans can be the twelfth player – it’s always nice to have them there every single game, cheering us on and hopefully, they can help us to win.
“We were gutted they couldn’t be there for the first Derby at the Academy Stadium last season so it’s really exciting to have them back.
“We want those bragging rights back!”
Three-time PFA Young Player of the Year Hemp, who penned a new deal with the Club in January, has starred again this season, featuring in all bar one of our 24 games, scoring ten goals and crafting four assists!
With a glittering shelf of individual accolades, she regularly scoops Player of the Match awards and has earned a nomination for the PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ January Player of the Month, alongside Georgia Stanway.
Though delighted to earn deserved recognition for her efforts, Hemp says her focus is on collective glory, as Taylor’s side chase a Champions League spot, plus more silverware success in the domestic cup competitions.
City lock horns with Chelsea in the Continental Cup Final in March, after facing back-to-back Manchester Derbies with a trip to United in the FA Cup Fifth Round at the end of February – and Hemp asserts her side are relishing the run.
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“There’s so much to play for,” she added. “We’re competing for trophies and there’s a lot to look forward to.
“We’re all itching to get going. You want these games all the time and you can tell the feeling in the squad because of how competitive training is.
“It all starts from the training ground. The players and coaches are top-drawer and we’re putting the work in every single day.
“It’s about being consistent. There have been a lot of positives from our recent form so it’s about making sure those moments happen more often.
“We want to take that into the next few games and show what we can do. Although we haven’t had some results we wanted in games, it’s important we kick on.
“We’re entering the most important part of the season now and we’re all raring to go.
“Personally, I’ve enjoyed myself a lot this year. I’ve had some good games but I know there’s still a lot to improve on and I knew that staying at City was the best option for me.
“I want to stay consistent in everything I do and I’m surrounded by the best players and staff to continue to do that.”
Hark now hear!
Derby Day is upon us... City host United at the Academy Stadium in the FA Women’s Super League on Sunday 13 February - and we need you!
We’re hoping for a bumper crowd to turn out and make the difference. Due to high demand, we’ve opened all Stands and we could even break the stadium’s attendance record and sell out!
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased online. Prices start from £8 for adults and £3 for Under-16s, while fans are also invited to enjoy Matchday Hospitality in our Manager’s Corner at the Etihad Stadium from £72pp.
