Russo excited and unfazed by Old Trafford occasion

Alessia says that the occasion is as special for the players on the pitch as it is for the fans in the stands, who will follow Skinner’s team from Leigh Sports Village to the Theatre of Dreams.

“I think Leigh is a lovely pitch and we’ve got our own fanbase there,” she said. “They follow us up and down the country and now we just want to keep it growing and getting bigger and better.

“For us as players, it’s amazing to play at Old Trafford, but I think it’s so nice to have the fans there. They don’t get to experience, especially us playing on it, week in, week out so when we can, it’s important for us that we give them a day to remember.

“They’re great and we can’t thank them enough for all the support they give us throughout the season.”