Dan McNamara has admitted that Sunday’s defeat to Burnley was ‘a difficult one to take’ at the New Bucks Head.
Wolves Women started 2024 with a 2-1 home loss at the hands of the Clarets and manager McNamara has spoken on a game of two halves, the need to respond better and next weekend’s FA Cup trip to Reading.
On a tough defeat
“It’s a difficult one to take. It was a massive game of two halves and a game which has been defined by fine margins.
“That’s football. Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. In the first half I thought we looked really in control and barring a few moments from Burnley, I thought we were excellent.
“We probably, on another day, take a 2-0 lead into the break. I’ve been told it was onside so that’s disappointing.”
On responding better
“We have to respond better coming into the second half. It’s a poor start again within five minutes – they’re back in the game and all of a sudden the momentum switches.
“It’s a tough one to try and win back, especially against a team of Burnley’s quality. I think they’re outstanding.
“Millie Ravening again was top drawer and she’s a top drawer player. They’ve got plenty of those within their ranks, but we’ve got great players ourselves and I thought we gave a great account of ourselves.
“We maybe just lacked in some areas and ultimately, a worldie from Leah Embley who’s travelled 65 yards down the pitch without being engaged has won it for them.”
On travelling to Reading
“It’s going to be a tough ask down there. It’s a great fixture for us and it’s important the girls embrace it and enjoy it.
“We want them to be proud of getting to the fourth round of the FA Cup two seasons running.
“We’re playing higher opposition again and Liam will have them playing well. They’ll be really well structured and we’ve got to make sure we’re on it again.
“It’s probably another game where we’re not going to have as much of the ball as we’re used to but we showed in the first half that we can be in control. We’ve got to make sure that lasts beyond 45 minutes next week.”
On remaining positive
“It’s important we don’t get too down on ourselves, there’s still a lot to play for. We’ve still got 13 league games so we’ll see how we get on in the course of the season.
“First and foremost we’ve got the fourth round of the FA Cup and a semi-final to contend with.
“Hopefully we can do well in those and put some good dates in the diary for the next few months.”
