Sian, a 5-1 defeat today against Oxford United Women. What are your immediate thoughts on the match?

“I am disappointed and it is a result that is tough to swallow. 

“Unfortunately they were better than us today and they crafted some really good goals.

“There are some lessons we need to take on board before playing Pompey at home next week.”

 

After coming off the back of two strong wins in recent weeks, what do you think changed today?

“We were in a good place heading into the match and I still think we are.

“However, today we did not do what was required of us and we simply were not good enough.

“We will look at it from a staff perspective and prepare them in the best way possible to ensure that it does not happen again.”

 

There was an early chance for us to open the scoring in the early stages of the game. How different could the match have been if that chance had been taken?

“It could have been but it is hard to reflect on things that did not happen.

“An early goal could have given us a foothold into the game but it was not meant to be.

“We did create some good opportunities within the first 20 minutes of the game but struggled towards the latter stages of it.

“It is tough where we have had a difficult start because of the three-game week followed by a week off because it causes issues for the players in terms of match loads.”

 

How is Sophie Lee doing following the injury she suffered towards the end of the game?

“It is too early to say yet but we have sent her to get checked out at the hospital. 

“It did not look particularly good but we hope that she will be okay.”

 

We play Portsmouth Women at The Hive London next week. How are you feeling about that one?

“I am motivated for it because we know they are tough opposition with quality players and individuals.

“I think the players will certainly be ready to get in a strong week of training this week to respond to today’s defeat.”

 

There was a big crowd here today which must be pleasing for you to see the steady growth of the women’s game?

“It is fantastic to see fans at football matches again because it has been an unusual couple of years during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“I am pleased to see people coming out to see the women’s game and hopefully we will see that again next week against Pompey.”