Skipper Dani Bowman said Albion's disrupted preparation would not be used as an excuse by the squad for their disappointing home defeat to Aston Villa.
With head coach Hope Powell among the members of the backroom staff self-isolating after a positive Covid-19 test last week, Albion went down 2-0 in Sunday’s WSL fixture with their training schedule also disrupted.
Bowman said, “It wasn't the preparation we'd have liked but we're professionals and we can’t use that as an excuse. The situation wasn't ideal but the situation in the world at the moment isn't ideal and we just have to deal with it.”
Villa scored twice in the second half to claim their first win of the season and Bowman admitted Albion struggled to create clear chances.
“We spoke about the importance of scoring the first goal and about putting your chances away when we had momentum. We didn't test their keeper enough and gave a good Aston Villa team opportunities to get into the game.
“It's disappointing but we will analyse it, see where we went wrong and look at the next game as an opportunity to improve.”
As well as Powell, defenders Rebekah Stott and Victoria Williams were also injured, but Bowman refused to use their absence to explain an under-par performance.
“We have got injuries but we're quite versatile. As a team I think we could have all done a bit better. We know where we have to improve. The week wasn’t ideal but that's no excuse for the unforced errors we made.
“Hopefully the preparations for this Sunday's game will be more normal. We played West Ham in the Conti Cup a few weeks ago so we know what they are about. They have players who can cause damage so this week will be about re-focussing. It’s football - you have good days and bad days.”
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required