Lydia Williams ready to resume battle for Matildas’ first-choice goalkeeper’s spot

Her club is locked in a relegation battle, but this goalkeeper also has her own challenge with the national team.

Lydia Williams has put her club’s relegation scrap on hold as she focuses on the battle to be the Matildas’ first-choice goalkeeper at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Williams was a part of a Brighton team smashed 4-0 by Manchester United in the English Women’s Super League last weekend.

While the Seagulls have two games in hand on most teams, they are in last place on the ladder.

Having moved to Brighton in January from French outfit PSG in the search for more game time ahead of the World Cup, Williams admitted sitting at the bottom was a new experience for her.

“At the moment we are going through a bit of a relegation battle, so it’s definitely a different vibe than where I’d be playing elsewhere,” the 34-year-old keeper said.

“But it’s a good challenge … a different challenge. It’s football – you’re in a team and you want to win, so that’s the most important thing.”

Lydia Williams has been working hard at training with the Matildas. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Williams has temporarily put Brighton’s problems to one side to join the Matildas for their two matches in London against Scotland and England.

She is locked in a three-way battle with Teagan Micah and Mackenzie Arnold to be the Matildas’ preferred keeper at the World Cup.

West Ham’s Arnold staked her claim during February’s Cup of Nations, starting in all three of Australia’s games and impressing for a Matildas side that won the tournament with a perfect nine-point haul.

Williams, who watched all three of Australia’s Cup of Nations matches from the bench, has been hard at work in camp ahead of Friday night’s game against Scotland.

“First session I was involved with a lot of goalkeeping technique and handling and getting back into it,” she said.

“This is our last real hitout overseas in a camp situation before we're based at home (for the World Cup) … so it’s a showcase for playing these games against really quality opposition and seeing where we’re at.

“It will be a good indication.”

Injured pair Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord have been ruled out of the two matches and have been replaced by Amy Sayer and Matilda McNamara.

Matildas v Scotland

Friday, 10.15pm (AEST)

Cherry Red Records Stadium, London

TV: Network 10

England v Matildas

April 12, 4.45am (AEST)

Gtech Community Stadium, London

TV: Network 10

Originally published as Lydia Williams ready to resume battle for Matildas’ first-choice goalkeeper’s spot