Dan McNamara has heaped praise on 16-year-old Elise Stocking who came on for her first-team debut in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
The goalkeeper was required early into the second half with Bec Thomas unable to continue following a challenge in the opening period, as under-21 stopper Stocking was thrown into the action. Wolves Women were 1-0 down to 10-player Hull City at the time, but scored four goals to advance into the fourth round where an away tie at Reading awaits.
Manager McNamara has admitted he knew the test Hull would pose was always going to be tough, but has given credit to every member within the squad for playing their part in the comeback.
On being given a tough challenge
“They’re no pushover and we knew it was going to be tough up here. We knew the conditions would be tough, it’s a long drive and they’re at the top of tier four for a reason.
“We knew they were going to be hard to play against. They’re physical, they compete, they want to win every 60-40, never mind 50-50.
“A lot of credit has to go to Hull – the way they imposed themselves on the game in that first 20 minutes.
“A moment of madness alters their game plan and we went on to start imposing ourselves on the game.
“With the corner, we know they’re good at set pieces and we know what Ellie Tanser can do. She’s hurt us just before half-time.”
On turning the game around
“We weren’t overly emotive at half-time. We just said do we believe we’re going to do this and there was a resounding yes.
“We just needed to tidy up in the final third and take one of the chances and we knew we’d change the game.
“Fantastic that the girls have done that. Sometimes it’s quite powerful to win like that, when you have to come through a bit of adversity.
“It wasn’t the best of performances and I think a few of the girls were a little bit down, heads were down.”
On Elise Stocking coming on for her debut
“After the red card we lost Bec (Thomas) and she’s not felt well. Tayls did give me the heads up that would probably be the case.
“For 16-year-old Elise Stocking to come on the pitch – we’re struggling with Shan (Turner) at the minute who’s out injured – she’s stepped up at 16 and come on in a huge FA Cup tie.
“I know we tried to play it down over the last couple of weeks, but let’s not make any bones about it – that’s a big tie, it’s worth big money now. A fixture at Reading in the next round, it’s a massive day.
“For her to come on and ultimately make the breakthrough with a bit of great distribution, I’m delighted for her.
“She’s an unbelievable talent in goal. We’re blessed with goalkeepers and we always have been over the last few years.”
On a team effort
“Credit to all of them, everyone that played their part. Even the girls who haven’t managed to get on the pitch.
“It’s tough to come all the way here and not get any minutes. This is an outstanding group of great people who are all pulling in a great direction. I’m blessed to be working with them.
“We knew it was going to be a tough season with everything that’s happened in women’s football. I’m not complaining, by the way – I want women’s football to grow bigger and bigger year on year.
“I keep saying we can’t compete with the financial aspect but what we can compete with is the heart, desire and a group of people who all want to play and achieve something together. That can be quite powerful at times.
“To still be in it at Christmas, we're in and amongst it which is fantastic. We’ve got a couple of games that we can hopefully get some more points on the board and climb our way back up the table.
“We’re just enjoying the ride. There’s no pressure from the club or from me on the girls. They’ve just got to keep doing what they do, keep enjoying it and smiling.
“We’ll see where it takes us as the season goes on, but to have a great tie against Reading to look forward to, one of my old pals Liam Gilbert has gone in there and got them playing well this year so I’m looking forward to that and that’s one for the diary.”
