Head Coach Chloe Gaynor knows her players face a tough test in Sheffield this afternoon against one of only two team above them in the standings. The Hatters actually being the only side Newcastle haven’t beaten this season. But they go into the game full of confidence.

Confidence born of a superb display last week when they defeated Cardiff Met Archers 103 – 56 which included an astonishing 62 – 22 second half performance. So what did Gaynor say to her players at half-time.

“We spoke about being relentless and aggressive. I didn’t think we were our brand of basketball in the first half. We sat back a little too much. We spoke about taking gambles not being afraid to take risks and if we were committing to something mess up at full speed.”

“Them we can rotate out of that and work it out as a unit rather than second guessing ourselves and just having confidence and belief in ourselves.”

All sage words and words that clearly helped as this impressive Eagles side continues to fly and build confidence and continuing momentum as the end of season play-offs loom.

“I’m really proud of the work the girls are putting in week in and week out. I also need to highlight the work the coaching staff and the staff in general are putting in. The work that they’re all doing on top of the work the girls are putting in is why we’re on the position we’re in.”

Eagles are now 12 wins 4 losses for the season and have already qualified for the playoffs. They could still finish second in the table which would be their highest ever position and already have more wins than they’ve ever had in a season and there are still four games to play.

Sheffield are a potential barrier to that goal. A win though for Newcastle would take them above The Hatters and into a position where their destiny will be in their own hands. But Gaynor knows how difficult it’s going to be.

“Sheffield is a massive game. We’re all really looking forward to it especially after pushing them so close in The Cup semi-final on their court the last time we played them. We’ve prepared well all week and I think we’re ready for the challenge and getting another chance to play them.”

“Last Saturday and in particular the second half was very solid from us. It gives us confidence we can produce better performances as we go on. We understand what’s ahead of us and how important the last four games are to achieve a great season in our eyes.”

“A top four finish would be lovely. In previous seasons that’s been out of reach. We find ourselves in a potentially special situation looking forward to a home playoff game which would be huge and a goal we’ve set ourselves.”

“Today we need to be the best version of ourselves to give us a real shot at winning the game. Sheffield are really good in transition and have some really talented players. Both on the perimeter and on the inside.”

“Its about trying to limit them at what they do well. There are things that are their strengths that might not be our strengths that we live with. It’s about how can we excel our strengths and put the in situations we want them to be in rather than just letting them play the way they want too.”

Tip-off at The Canon Medical Arena Sheffield is at 1:00pm and it is a much-anticipated clash between two strong committed in-form teams.