West Brom Women's Manager Expresses Pride After Derby Defeat
West Bromwich Albion Women's manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still has shared her pride in her team's performance despite a narrow derby defeat to rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Black Country clash at Molineux was decided by a late diving header from Amber Hughes, securing a 1-0 victory for the title-chasing hosts.
Lessons to Learn for Season's Final Stretch
Hodgetts-Still emphasized that her side must learn from missed opportunities in front of goal to finish the season strongly. The fifth-placed Baggies put in a resilient display, with early chances from Riya Mannu and Taylor Reynolds going wide, while Monique Robinson nearly connected with a promising cross.
"We're disappointed that we didn't get anything from the game," Hodgetts-Still said. "I thought we deserved something, performance-wise we were excellent throughout." She praised the team's first-half dominance but noted the failure to capitalize on chances as a key issue.
The manager highlighted the team's excellent shape and quick counter-attacks, which created good moments. However, she acknowledged that fatigue in the final 20 minutes is an area the staff must address. "On the whole, we're disappointed that we lost, but we have to take the positives," she added.
Looking Ahead to Crucial Final Games
With the defeat, Albion remain fifth in the Northern Premier, step three of the women's football pyramid, but hold a game in hand to potentially climb the table. Hodgetts-Still is focused on the upcoming fixtures to end the season on a high note.
The Baggies have three significant matches remaining:
- Sunday: Home game against Liverpool Feds at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr (2pm kick-off).
- April 12: Visit from lowly Derby.
- April 26: Final-day clash away at Middlesbrough's Stockton, with Boro currently sitting just below Albion in the standings.
Hodgetts-Still concluded, "We've got three big games left now," urging her team to build on the positives from the derby and secure a strong finish to the campaign.
