Dan McNamara was extremely proud of his Wolves Women side after a 2-1 victory at home to Bristol City in the Subway Players’ Cup.
After a goalless first half, goals from Yana Daniëls and Mel Filis earned the Old Gold their first three points in the competition, moving them up to 12th in the table.
Having lost 4-2 against the same opposition just a week ago, Wanderers were able to respond from the 63rd minute equaliser and continue their strong record at the SEAH Stadium.
McNamara focused on the performance, the impact of the substitutions, the outstanding home form, and looked ahead to the next fixture at home to unbeaten Nottingham Forest.
On the performance
“I thought that performance had everything - a real steel about them. They showed what it means to play for Wolves against one of the top sides in the league.
“That was a very, very strong Bristol side that started and finished the game so I hope it gives us belief that in the right moments, with the right commitment and the right desire and the right tactical information, that we can compete against the best in this league.
“On the whole balance of the performance, I thought we deserved to come away with what we got - I'm really proud of them.”
On the impact of the substitutions
“Amber [Hughes] comes on and she needs no introduction. Liv Francis comes on and really affects the game again. Her and Fil [Mel Filis] combined to score another goal at home, so excellent from Olivia Francis.
“Tara O'Hanlon comes on and her first action really excites you of what she's about and what she will give for the rest of the season but also the players that were on the pitch in the first place.
“You've got Tammi [George] who came in and really worked her socks off today alongside Mel Lawley. I thought the captain was brilliant, Morph [Anna Morphet], she really led by example; Georgia Marshall, Abbi Jenner player of the match again, slotting in at right back so it was just a brilliant performance.”
On the home form
“We know it's going to be a real key asset for us this year. If we want to achieve what we want to achieve, which is plain and simple, I think everyone knows that, then we've got to maintain this home form.
“Wednesday was a little bit different because they are a level above. But to host Bristol today and to come out with a positive result is fantastic.”
On Nottingham Forest
“We had them [Nottingham Forest] here over pre-season. I think Tom Mallinson’s got them playing some fantastic football. They had a great result last week at Newcastle 2-2 so it's going to be tough.
“Hopefully we can bring what we've seen today because I thought there were some moments there where we really showed we are capable of competing at this level.
“Let's see if we can fill the stands next week, I thought they were brilliant today. Again, the fans, we're going to need them - the next two games could be massive for the direction in which we want to go.”
