Dan O’Hearne has given his thoughts on the clash with Stockport County Ladies this weekend.

The Whites will begin their league campaign on home turf, getting underway at 2pm in Tadcaster’s Global Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the match, O’Hearne gave his thoughts on how preparation went over pre-season and elements that pleased him.

He said: “We had an unbeaten pre-season and played a couple of tough games in there as well.

“Everyone in the squad got some good game time and did well, so we’re now ready and raring to go.

"The amount of goals we’ve scored has been great, and how many have been shared about through the team has been important.

“Possibly all the squad except one or two scored in pre-season, so that shows we have threats all over the pitch, we don’t depend on one player and it gives the players confidence too.

“I was also pleased with the character we showed. A highlight was being two goals down to Derby, then showing we kept strong and battled our way back to go in front.”

Recruitment has been impressive with new arrivals adding experience and competition for places throughout. The manager feels the group has gelled well together over the summer.

“They’ve all bought into how we work,” O’Hearne explained.

“We work hard in training so it has been pretty intense and they have all reacted well to it.

“They’re all good people which is important, they’ve mixed well together and bonded as a group so that’s been great to see as well.”

A season opener can always be unpredictable, but the hard-work has been done on and off the pitch, with the coaching staff having done their homework on Sunday’s opposition.

The manager also called spoke about the excellent support his side have received.

“They came to our league a couple of years ago. We’ve played them three times now and strangely, not one of them has been at home.

“Last season we beat them in the league and the FA Cup, they were tight games, I’ve watched the video back from last season.

“I’ve seen one of their pre-season games as well, they’ve got 13 new players, we think we know how they’ll set up.

“It’ll be a difficult game, all of them will be. Stockport will come to us trying to win, but we’re at home and we’re looking forward to it.

“The fans will be important for us, we’ve had great backing in the friendly matches and I hope that can continue.

“We’ve got the best support in the league and I can’t wait to see them at the game on Sunday.”