Sian, a disappointing result today. What are your initial thoughts on the game?
“We are frustrated to come away with a defeat here at Fairfax Park.
“Blood, sweat and tears quite literally went into this game from the players that were here with us.
“Massive credit to them because they defended so resolutely against a really tough opposition.
“We are disappointed with the result, but in terms of the sheer grit and determination the players showed, hats off to them.”
Shayla Burgess made a number of big saves throughout the game. What did you make of her second appearance for the club?
“Shayla did a great job and performed really well for us this afternoon.
“She was brave in her one on ones and made a couple of really good saves for us.
“I was really pleased with how she did today.”
There were two debuts today for Catherine Reeves and Caitlin Finnerty. How important is it that we can continue to bring through the next generation of players?
“It is really important that we can continue developing some of our younger players.
“Caitlin has only trained with us on a few occasions and I thought she was absolutely phenomenal at the back for us today.
“She deserved a lot of credit because she showed a real level of maturity to play as well as she did.
“All the players were absolutely buzzing for her at the end and she had a big smile on her face despite the result.
“Catherine made a really good impact when she came on because she was really energetic.
“She got herself forward, pressed well, put tackles in and was physical when she needed to be.
“It is exactly what we were hoping for from these youth players that they take it in their stride and play their normal game.”
With a number of key players out injured or unavailable, how impressed were you with the overall reaction of the rest of the squad and the resoluteness that they showed?
“We only travelled with two substitutes and we had a few people carrying knocks before the game as well.”
“The players coped really well and every single one of them worked so hard, which is the minimum that we can ask of them.
“It is disappointing to have not come away with anything, but pleasing in terms of the level of effort and commitment put in by the players.”
We have Ipswich Town in two weeks and Plymouth Argyle at home after that. How are you feeling for them?
“We are hoping we can get a few more players back and ready to go for them.
“Our performances are showing that we are building strongly and I really think we can end the season on a high.
“We know we need to get some more points to secure our place in the league for next year and I am so confident that we can do that.”