OXFORD United Women’s manager Andy Cook is optimistic ahead of his side’s Women’s Super League 2 opener against Sheffield Ladies tomorrow.

The Yellows have added a number of new players since the end of the last campaign and finished pre-season strongly by beating Yeovil Townand by drawing with Bristol City.

Cook said: “We all know what we can achieve as a group, we spoke about this on several occasions in pre-season.

“If the right environment is given to a group they can deliver quality every session.

“I work game to game, if we do everything we can this week we will get three points and that’s the start we need.”

United’s manager believes the future is bright for his side, despite losing key players, with last season’s top scorer Ini Umotong one of those to leave during the summer.

However, U’s were busy in the summer, making significant signings including influential midfielder Steph Williams, from Yeovil.

Cook said: “Rosie Lane, Ini Umotong, Lucy Thomas and Jess Frampton all left the first-team group and we replaced them.

“All the players know the style we want and the whole team is working on tactical positions we need.”

Sheffield finished ninth in WSL2 last season, one place above the Yellows, and Cook is aware that his side’s first league game at Court Place Farm will be a big test.

“We can use the stadium to our advantage the same way every team will try with their stadiums, we train from here and it makes us comfortable here.”

On United’s opponents, Cook said: “I am expecting them to be well-organised and try to play around and through us.

“Coach Zoe Johnson has the team in great shape, so it should be a great opening game for the season.”