SEVERN Stars head coach Sam Bird says her team have greater belief to play well under pressure after coming from behind to win their last match as they host high-flying Loughborough Lightning on Saturday (6pm).

Stars face the Vitality Netball Superleague’s fourth-placed side, who are only three points off top spot, at the University of Worcester Arena.

Bird said she was not underestimating the challenge, acknowledging a neutral would have Loughborough as favourites, but said her side have the ability to challenge any team when they are consistent.

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“Loughborough will be a tough match,” she said.

“They have won their last five matches and beat leaders Wasps by one goal on Monday.

"However, we performed well against last opponent London Pulse and when we play with consistency we can challenge any team, including Loughborough.

"The squad has more belief now that it can perform well under pressure.”

She said the two sides did share some similarities.

“Loughborough, like us, have a very tall goal shooter and she will be hard to break down but we also have this strength so I think the key will be how well the team looks after the ball and capitalises on the other’s errors,” she added.

Stars were boosted by a 60-51 win at Pulse last Saturday after being 28-25 behind.

Bird described the way her team responded in the second half as “fantastic”.

Stars also performed well the week before, pushing champions Wasps hard despite losing.

“For the first time we came from behind against Pulse to win by nine,” she said.

“If we focus on the process and keep the quality in our play a strong performance will surely follow.”