Siobhan Hodgetts-Still reacts after West Brom Women dramatic win v Northampton Town
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still gave a very balanced reaction after West Brom Women beat Northampton Town on penalties in the FAWNL Cup on Sunday (29 September).
Simran Jhamat scored a brace and Ellie May scored a third as the Baggies were taken to extra time by the Cobblers, with Hodgetts-Still’s squad needing spot-kicks to bring home the victory.
The cup competition saw new signing Shan Turner handed her debut in between the sticks, with Mariam Mahmood, Seren Wakins, and Rhianne Oakley all recalled to the starting XI.
Speaking after the game [WBA, 30 September], Hodgetts-Still said: “I don’t think we were good enough in the first half, especially in possession.
“At half-time, we agreed we weren’t good enough and spoke as a group about what we needed to do better. I thought in the second half we came out brighter and on the front foot.
“We created some good moments. Credit to the opposition who came here and made things difficult for us. We had to find solutions to the problems that they gave us.”
West Brom Women claim dramatic win over Northampton Town
Given the Cobblers came from behind twice, Hodgetts-Still will not be overly excited by the performance from her Baggies side in the FANWL Cup.
Of course, grabbing another victory in any competition is huge for momentum, especially in such a tough campaign for the Baggies, but there were certainly many things to be worked on going forward.
The half-time team talk seemed to have a lasting effect on the squad, with the manager much more pleased with the second-half showing from her squad, though penalties were still needed.
That is really just the drama and magic of cup competitions, though, and Hodgetts-Still cannot be too harsh on her players after delving deep to win the penalty shootout.
The new signings look to be bedding in well with the squad, too, especially Turner, who made several key saves to deny Northampton taking a lead.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan must promote U21s star Harry Whitwell after what he did recently.
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