EJ May is one of 11 players who remain in the Pompey Women squad from the 2017/18 season.
Having made the step up from the reserve team, the influential midfielder has certainly had to bide her time.
But her flair shone through after being given a chance to impress in last week’s comprehensive 9-0 cup victory at Poole.
“I’ve had to be patient,” said May. “But I have worked hard for the opportunity and I enjoyed playing. It was great to get game time and be involved in such a good team display.
“I’d like to think I put in a decent enough performance to give Jay (Sadler) a decision to make, but I trust the starting line-up is selected in order to have the best chance to get a result on the day.”
"It was great to get game time and be involved in such a good team display."
May was a creative force throughout the National League Plate contest and, after a positive week of training, is ready to carry that into Sunday’s clash with Plymouth.
She said: “Training has been positive this week and the focus is high to continue the winning streak.
“I feel confident that we can produce a competitive display and put what we have worked on in training onto the pitch.
“On a personal note, I’m feeling confident and motivated to contribute to more winning performances.
“I expect that it will be a physical game, but I believe when each player is at their best and performs their roles and responsibilities on and off the pitch, we can beat any team in this league.”
Pompey will be looking to secure three points when they welcome Plymouth to the PMC Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).