The red and blues travel to Lithgow to play the undefeated Panthers and after the following remark from Carter last weekend, Pengilly was expecting a fired-up Feds.

“When you play games like that against Confederates you come down to their level,” Carter said after the four-goal win last weekend.

The comments weren’t well received.

“The girls weren’t really happy about that,” Pengilly said.

“It’s put a bit of fire in the belly I think. I think the girls will be up for the challenge.”

Pengilly added a better start will ensure Feds remains in the contest against the competition’s premier women’s outfit.

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“Lithgow have been strong for a number of years, particularly in Lithgow. Sam (Stevenson) is still injured but Lucy Rheinberger is back this week which will help. We at least have to start better,” Pengilly said.

Looking to bounce back following their own loss, a tough 3-2 defeat last weekend to Kinross-CYMS, Ex-Servies coach Mitch Kennewell said the blue and golds have a lot to prove today against the Dubbo Blue Jays.

“They’re not very happy with the way they played last week,” Kennewell said.

“The mood in camp wasn’t the best and everyone was a bit narky following the loss, but we had a big talk about it all at training and hopefully we can get a win and turn things around this week.”

Ex-Services lost to Dubbo 5-3 in round three this year, but Kennewell refused to read too much into that result.

“We didn’t have a goalkeeper that day and that probably hurt us a fair bit,” he said.

“We’re without Ali Baker this week and she does a lot of work getting the girls up for each game. Rach Pengilly will be captain this week so she’ll have that role.”

Feds take on Panthers in Lithgow while Ex-Servies make the trip to Dubbo to face the Blue Jays from 3.30pm.