Club news

Powell Puts Result Into Perspective

By James Hilsum • 21 October 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion women’s first-team manager Hope Powell felt that the 6-0 defeat to Manchester City was a harsh reflection of the game, but underlined the tough lessons her side are learning at the top level.
 
Georgia Stanway’s hat-trick and a goal each for Caroline Weir, Nikita Parris and Claire Emslie gave City an emphatic win, but Powell was keen to put the result into perspective.
 
She said, “It’s disappointing to lose 6-0, and the expectation is they’ll win the game, but I would say it was a bit of an unkind scoreline.
 
“The good thing was that we created chances, but we know they are stronger, fitter and faster than us.
 
“You’ve got to be clinical in those moments against a very good side because you’re not going to get many chances against them.
 
“They are a team full of international players, and we’re not at that level yet, but I think we’re a better side than what we were six months ago and we’re putting the building blocks in place to continue improving.”
 
Powell reiterated how Albion are still finding their feet at top level, before stressing the significance of next week’s clash against bottom side Yeovil Town.
 
“It’s essential a three-tier league, which you saw with Arsenal beating Reading 6-0 today. There’s a gap with those top three sides, and then you’ve a middle block of teams and then obviously a bottom group too.
 
“That being said, it’s still a competitive league and we’re still learning about our place in it.
 
“All the games we play are important; Yeovil may be bottom, but they can score goals, as they’ve shown against Liverpool and Bristol City. It is going to be a big game for us.”