Club news

Powell: We Deserved More

By James Hilsum • 23 September 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Hope Powell felt her side deserved more from today’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Broadfield Stadium.
 
Substitute Rinsola Babajide came off the bench to score the winner for the Reds and Powell believes the result wasn’t a true reflection of the contest.
 
She said, “I thought we were the better team, but we just need find a way to get over the edge after conceding a sloppy goal and make sure we create a bit more to put it in the back of the net. I’m pleased and disappointed at the same time.
 
“We deserved a point at least, but credit to Liverpool they made a substitution, we were a bit flatfooted and didn’t react to it. Lessons have been learned again and we’ve been close in all the games we’ve played so far, so we now need to get some points on the board.
 
“One of the things I’ve stressed is that we’ve got to be hard to beat to give ourselves a chance. We’re doing that well, but we’ve just got to finish games off and stop conceding that one goal that makes the difference.
 
“We also need to be a bit more clinical down the other end. On reflection, the girls are very disappointed, but every game we play we’re getting better and better.”
 
Today’s game was Albion’s third in the space of eight days, and Powell admits that although it may have taken a toll on her players, she refused to blame the result on fatigue.
 
“Ellie Brazil is one of our fittest players and she ran out of steam after sprinting two miles in the Birmingham game.
 
“It’s been hard and they were a bit tired, but we can’t use that as an excuse and have got to stick the ball in the back of the net.”
 
Next up for the Seagulls is a match against Chelsea in a week’s time and Powell explained there are reasons to be positive heading into the game.
 
“It’s seven days away, so we’ll reflect on this first and then we’ll go again in the week.
 
“Generally I’m pleased with the journey the players have come from in terms of where they are at this point. I’m happy with how we’re progressing.”