Martin Ho said that he ‘couldn’t have asked for more’ from his players before adding that we were punished for our small mistakes at the back as London City Lionesses ran out 4-2 winners on Sunday afternoon.
We showed plenty of character and fight to come from behind on two occasions. First Cathinka Tandberg converted from the penalty spot seven minutes before the break to cancel out Freya Godfrey’s early opener at Hayes Lanes. Eveliina Summanen then equalised once again with a lovely free-kick after Nikita Parris had restored the hosts' lead in the early stages of the second half.
However, as we searched for a winning goal, the promoted side, who are in the WSL for the first ever time, grabbed their third of the afternoon – an own goal from Amanda Nilden – on 81 minutes before they eventually killed off any sort comeback for a third time four minutes later when Godfrey grabbed her second of the game to seal the 4-2 win.
Speaking to us afterwards, Maartin said: “I thought for large parts we were in control. I haven’t seen it back yet, obviously, but for most of the game, we were the better team with the ball. But you can’t have the other side of your game not working. We came back into the game twice, which shows good mentality and spirit.
“I thought we deserved to come back when we went 2–1 down and we pushed really well after that to make it 2–2. But we allowed some really small defensive mistakes - and we were punished for them. Some games you get away with it, some you don’t - and today we didn’t.
“I can’t ask for more from the players, though. They gave everything today. Sometimes, off the ball, you have to make sure you don’t give top players chances — and we did. They punished us with the few chances they had.
“We should get one [a reaction for the next game] because we know we weren’t at the level today — especially in our duels. Normally, we’re better and more competitive. But players have off days, they’re not perfect. What matters is that we respond in the next game.”
Next up in the WSL is the north London derby at Brisbane Road and with an electric atmosphere expected in E10 – tickets still available to buy – our Head Coach heaped plenty of praise for the supporters who travelled to Hayes Lane.