Albion Women Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still believes her side “grafted” to secure their 2-1 comeback win over Rugby Borough on Wednesday night.
The Baggies went a goal down at the Alexander Stadium, but turned the FAWNL Northern Premier clash on its head with two strikes in as many second-half minutes.
Zoe Creaney and Riya Mannu were on target during the hosts’ victory, and though her side had to soak up the visiting pressure at times, they were worthy of their moments in-front of goal.
She said: “I’m delighted that we got the win. It was a very competitive game.
“We were disappointed to go in one-nil down after the first half, and to concede from a set-piece. The reaction was great, especially across the first 20 minutes, we hit them on the counter a few times and got two goals.
“There were some good moments in the first half, but it wasn’t consistent, we needed to be better in-possession. In our moments where we can regain territory, we’d give the ball away, and they’d find gaps in there.
“We needed to look after the ball better, and have a bit more movement in-front of that. They did really well at all of those things in the second half and it led to one really good goal that we’re proud of.
“We defended well throughout, the energy and shape we had was great - the girls worked really hard and fought until the end. In the last 20 minutes, Rugby piled on the pressure and we stood firm, dealt with it well and everyone who came on played their part.
“We all grafted and we saw at the end how much it meant to everyone involved. We’re buzzing to get the three points.
“We said in the changing room that the win has to give us confidence, we have to take that into Sunday. We’ll bring the energy heading into the game and hope to put in a good performance.”
Meanwhile elated debutant Mannu, who made her first start from the club since signing on a dual-registration basis from Birmingham City, says she was “excited” to be out on the pitch for the first time in navy-blue-and-white.
The attacker said: “I just wanted to help the team as much as I can. I wanted to get some more senior minutes to help my development but the girls have just made me feel really welcome.
“I was just excited to play, it was a great result. The first half was a bit cagey but in the first 20 minutes of the second period, we got the ball down and it helped us to enjoy the game.
“I was just excited to get onto the pitch and play football again. I knew Monique would play that ball because of the quality she has.
“I like getting forward and running in-behind. The weight of pass (for her goal) was great and I knew I could get on the end of it.
“The girls are really positive and looking forward to Burnley after this. It was great to show so much character tonight so we’re ready for that challenge.
“I want to help the team as much as I can and whenever I’m needed.”
