Hope Powell was delighted with the determination her side showed in the 1-0 win over league leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles on Sunday afternoon.
A goal after nine minutes from defender Laura Rafferty was the game’s decisive moment, and the manager was pleased with the application the Seagulls showed in their win at the Checkatrade Stadium.
She said,“ I think we worked really hard today – the away game was tough because they’re a very good side.
“But I think that experience of losing the reverse fixture set the tone for today and the girls really wanted to prove a point and I felt like they competed and showed that.
“I think we learnt a lot of lessons from that game at their ground and today we started really well and implemented what we’ve been doing in training this week.
“We got tired towards the end of the game but we saw it out against a very physical and strong side so I’m very pleased.”
It was a first league defeat of the season for their opponents in West Sussex, and the home side had further chances to increase their lead in the second half – something Powell highlighted after the game.
“I thought every player did well today, I can’t really single out anyone because everyone worked really hard.
“To beat a team like Doncaster Rovers Belles you need everyone to be at the top of their game and I felt they were today.
“I think we could and probably should have scored more too, and that’s been the case quite a few times this season.
“It’s those little things that we want to really try and improve now going towards next season.”
It was a fast start from the Seagulls who were visibly eager to set the tempo on a warm afternoon against the Yorkshire side.
The manager pointed to the fact that after the strong opening her team did both sides of the game well to see out the victory at their new home for next season.
“We played with a good tempo and that’s something I’ve tried to instil since I’ve been at the club – I want us to play in the right way.
“But sometimes you have to do the other side as well, when it’s tough like it was today you have to get over the line.
“It’s a really nice ground and the crowd were fantastic – it’s nice to play on grass and it was nice weather so it’s been a good day all-round for us.”