Club news

Powell Looking For An Improved Performance

By James Hilsum • 15 September 2018

Hope Powell is targeting a reaction from her players when Brighton & Hove Albion face London Bees in an FA Continental League Cup match at the Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 2pm.
 
Albion turn their attention back to the cup after a frustrating opening day defeat to Bristol City, and Powell is expecting the Women’s Championship team to pose a stern test.
 
She said, “They are a very competitive side that have made some good signings over the summer and are another team that will want to test their wits against a Women’s Super League team.
 
“They beat us in their home game [2-1] last season, so we know it will be tough. But it will be nice to play in the Conti Cup and give some other players a run out.
 
“Hopefully we can put in a better performance compared to the Bristol match last week.”
 
Powell reiterated the side’s need to improve their passing and finishing on Sunday, and is pleased to have an opportunity to quickly bounce back.
 
“We know that we’ve got to take our chances. I thought we were very sloppy with our passing and the quality wasn’t there; I don’t think we strung more than three passes together. That was an admission from the players, so it gives us an opportunity to right those wrongs.
 
“It’s going to be a tough and gritty game, so we’re going to have to be on our game to get something from it, and it will be quite an even contest.
 
“It will be a welcome challenge, and the beauty of football is the games will come thick and fast and we’ll have an opportunity to get a win on the board this weekend.”
 
The Albion manager also explained that she will use the competition as a chance to rotate the squad, but highlighted the importance of getting some points on the board to improve their prospects of qualification for the next round.
 
“The main aim is to boost confidence. The priority is the league, but we also want to win some games and get some points on the board in the competition.
 
“Overall the players have been brilliant and they know they should have done better last week and not made any excuses about their performance.
 
“They have worked very hard to make sure they put in a better performance on Sunday.”