Hope Powell praised her side’s perseverance as they made a winning start to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League season.
Second-half goals from Megan Connolly and Inessa Kaagman secured a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City at the People's Pension Stadium with midfielder Connolly scoring from outside the box before crossing to Kaagman to quickly head in the second goal.
Head coach Powell said, “It’s always nice to get off to a good start and I was really pleased with our performance.
“I thought Birmingham did well in the first half and probably kept the ball better than we did. It took us time to get going but we kept our shape and were quite disciplined and in the second half we played a lot better and thankfully got our just rewards.
“It was a great strike from Megan which was good to see and then a nice way for Inessa to start her time with the club.”
Kaagman was one of six new faces in the Albion line-up and Powell was pleased with their contribution and the strength in depth the summer recruits they have brought to the squad.
“The new players have added something,” said Powell. “We saw Inessa’s quality. She can find a pass and looks after the ball well while Geum-min Lee got into the game and her performance will help her confidence going forward.
“It also helps that we can bring players off the bench that can make a difference in the latter stages of a game, but we know there are things we can improve.
“We have got to possess the ball better under pressure and there were probably a few too many unforced errors which, and with no disrespect to Birmingham, against a better team could have left us in trouble.
“So we go away and work on those things and get ready for next Sunday’s game against Manchester City.”