Powell reflects on a job well done

Hope Powell praised her side's performance after Albion’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round, and was delighted to see both her strikers find the target against the Women’s Championship side.

James Hilsum

2020-02-25T22:30:00Z

Hope Powell

Rianna Jarrett marked her debut with a brace before Ini Umotong added a third to send the Seagulls through to the quarter-finals, and Powell was pleased with the increased intensity her side showed after the break.

She said, “I would say it was a very professional performance for most of the game, but when you are in control it’s easy to lose your discipline, and I don’t think we were disciplined enough at times.

“With that in mind, we demanded more at half-time and I thought we were much better in the second half. I’m generally pleased that we scored three goals and didn’t concede.

“I am also really pleased for Rianna and when she hit the first one, she knew it was going in and the header was a lovely deft touch.

“Ini’s confidence will also be dealt a world of good, and the fact that both of our starting centre-forwards scored tonight is brilliant for them.”

Rianna Jarrett had an Albion debut to remember.

Powell also gave Dual Career Academy player Faith Nokuthula her senior debut and felt the youngster acquitted herself well after being introduced for the final ten minutes.

“Generally I thought she did okay, and I said to her that the pace is a lot quicker than what she’s used to, so she’ll have to be at the races.

“But for her to get those minutes is vital, and she’s done very well in terms of being in and around first-team training. She’s a bright kid in terms of knowledge and football ability, and it’s important we try and blend her in wherever possible.”

Tonight’s win means that Albion have equalled their best-ever run in the competition, and Powell says the squad can head into the quarter-final tie against Birmingham with plenty of confidence.

“It’s a proud moment for the club and the players. They work very hard and we want to stay in the competition for as long as we can.

“We’ve got Birmingham in the next round, so the draw has been kinder to us. We’ve got a good chance of going through again.”