After what had been a mixed start to our league campaign, Sunday’s 2–0 win was an incredibly important one for the group. We’ve been performing well recently, going on a strong unbeaten run and enjoying an excellent FA Cup run, so the message before the game was clear: carry that momentum into the league and kickstart our season properly. I’m really pleased to say the players did exactly that.
We set up in our usual shape from the start and stuck to the game plan. Early on, we created some very good chances, but just couldn’t quite capitalise on them. Still, the intent and the energy was good but we just lacked a bit of quality and composure. At half time we made a few tweaks to give us a bit more control and attacking threat, and the response from the team was fantastic.
As the second half got going, we really began to dominate. The opening goal came after a sustained spell of pressure and an Alvechurch mistake, and from that moment on we looked comfortable. Getting that vital second goal was crucial—it allowed us to settle, manage the game, and see it out. Full credit to the girls; once we had that cushion, they finished the job with maturity and discipline.
A special mention has to go to Nat Laylor in goal. She had very little to do for the majority of the 90 minutes, but when she was called upon—after an error of our own late on—she pulled off a fantastic save to preserve our clean sheet. Moments like that are huge, and they reflect the focus and commitment of the entire squad.
This win has to be a platform. We need to build on it and take the momentum into the next run of fixtures. We travel to Sporting Khalsa this Sunday in the FA Cup 2nd Round—a historic achievement for the club regardless of the result. They sit two leagues above us, but the FA Cup has always had its magic, and if we turn up and deliver the kind of performance we know we’re capable of, I have every faith that these girls can go there and do a job.
We’re proud of our current form, but we’re not done and have to use this to kick on in the league.
