Powell: It was a vital three points

Hope Powell praised her team’s resilience after they claimed a vital three points in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Goals from Geummin Lee and Katie Robinson – her first for the club – sealed a 2-1 win over Reading in front of a crowd of 5220 at the Amex in our second game of the season.

Reading pulled a goal back in stoppage time and forced keeper Meg Walsh into some important saves in the second half.

“We’ve had a lot of changes to the squad and injuries to deal with and although it’s only the second game in it was important we got the three points,” said Powell. 

“It was a great win, but I think we can play much better. We fought until the end and made hard work of it at times, but we’re delighted with victory.”

Powell was disappointed her team only had Lee’s goal to show for their first-half superiority.

“We probably should have put the game to bed by half-time,” she added. “When you’re 1-0 up the game can change quickly and credit to Reading, they really put us under pressure in the later stages.

“They were on the front foot and Meg Walsh made some big saves, so it was important to get that second goal and I was delighted for Robbo, she’s a great kid who is really starting to make her mark in the team now.”

Although the attendance fell just short of equalling the Amex record for a WSL game, Powell hopes that those who did come will be back. “They definitely gave us a lift and I hope they enjoyed it and come again to support us.”

Albion are back in action next Sunday in the Continental League Cup when they travel to Birmingham City.