Martin Ho was pleased to see the reaction from his players after last week’s defeat to Manchester City to earn two points in our opening game of the Subway Women’s League Cup after we edged Aston Villa 7-6 on penalties following a goalless draw in normal time.
There wasn’t too much action to write home about in the 90 minutes at Brisbane Road, with the notable highlight coming seven minutes from time when Noelle Maritz was shown a straight red for a strong challenge on Olivia Holdt to leave the visitors with 10 players in the closing stages.
However, we were unable to capitalise as it finished 1-1 and, while we still earned a point to kick start our journey in Group E, we faced a penalty shootout to earn an extra point on the evening.
Goalkeeper Lize Kop produced the heroics in the shootout as, after 13 spot-kicks and into sudden death, our shot stopper denied Georgia Mullet to help us win 7-6 on penalties.
“I thought it was quite a scrappy game from start to finish,” Martin told us, speaking to SPURSPLAY after the game. “In the first half, we created some good moments but maybe lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
“In the second half, we got into some good positions, but the final ball or action was a little off. When we got it right, we found good shooting and crossing positions. We just need to make that more consistent.”
“Clean sheets are important - they give you confidence. But we still need to defend the goal better because they had some big moments. Our pressure also needs to be a bit more aggressive and consistent. This performance was the response we expected. The players would’ve felt the City defeat, and hopefully tonight has taken that out of their system so we can now move on to Leicester City”
Asked about the penalty shootout and Lize’s heroics, he added: “Penalties are the cruellest way of deciding games. I don’t envy anyone in those situations - I don’t even enjoy watching them!
“But the players who stepped up showed real courage and personality. It’s a pressured moment, and I’m proud of them. Lize made two brilliant saves and even scored a penalty herself - she’s effectively won us the game.”