Tanya Oxtoby ahead of the derby: 'You've got to embrace big games' | OneFootball

Oxtoby is set to experience her first North East derby this weekend and outlined her excitement at managing in such a special game.

United go into the fixture on Wearside on a six-game unbeaten run, including two draws and a win as Oxtoby's side played three games in an intense eight-day period.

More than 1,500 Geordies are set to descend on the Stadium of Light on Sunday, with United having beaten the Black Cats 3-1 at St. James' Park in November. Here are the key talking points from Oxtoby's pre-match interview...

ON THE RECENT RUN OF FORM…

"We really stretched the group across those three games in terms of what we asked from them tactically and physically, so it was good to see where their limits are.

"We're still in it (the promotion race), and we have our destiny in our own hands, which is where we want it to be."

ON EMBRACING THE DERBY…

"I think you've got to embrace big games because that's the reason we play football. So there's an element of enjoying and embracing the occasion, but it's also about getting the balance to ensure we control our performance.

"If you go playing the occasion, then you can come unstuck. So we need to make sure we don't move away from all the things we've been doing to get us to this position and focus on all of the small details and executing them."

ON THE UNBEATEN RUN…

"We're improving, and I think it goes back to consistency for us. We've had two really positive performances in a row now, so now it's about ensuring we stay at that level, while continuing to develop in the areas that we need to work.

"That's been the challenge across the last few training sessions - to keep working on the things we can control and get better at and make sure we're focused on Sunday."

ON HER FIRST NORTH EAST DERBY…

"I'm feeling pretty good, and I'm looking forward to the experience. I've been in big games before, so it's about making sure that I bring that experience to the table.

"We've got senior players in the squad who've also been in big games, so it's about taking all the younger ones on the journey while staying focused on what we're after, which is to make sure we get the result."

ON THE AWAY SUPPORT…

"They'll be massive for us on Sunday. At all of our away games, I'm blown away by their support, and this weekend will be no different.

"We'll try our very best to make sure we put in a performance they can be proud of."