Dan McNamara has praised Bec Thomas for her penalty saving heroics in the shootout which helped Wolves Women progress past West Bromwich Albion and into the Birmingham Challenge Cup final.
It was a far from ideal start for Wolves, who were two behind inside 10 minutes – a period McNamara admits he can’t put his finger on. However, the manager believes from then on in his side deserved to make it into the final where they will meet Rugby Borough. Speaking post-match, McNamara stressed the importance of winning the game by any means, getting players back from injury and the late switch of venue to Compton Park.
On the start to the game
“I’ve tried to erase the first eight minutes of that game. I can’t even put words on it – by the time I’d taken a breath we were 2-0 down.
“Fair play to Albion and the way they set up. It wasn’t what we expected and we found it difficult to adapt that quickly. By the time we did, we were two goals down.
“Don’t get me wrong, it was poor defending but from then on in, we managed to get a grip on the game and on the balance of it we deserved to go through.
“We created a lot and they created very little post the second goal, but you’ve got to take your chances. Again, we haven’t been clinical.”
On winning the tie
“At the end of the day, I said to the girls earlier on this week that these Black Country derbies, never mind it’s a semi-final, are just about winning, whatever that looks like.
“Today that looked like a penalty shootout. Standing here after winning it, it’s not a bad way to win it, however I wouldn’t like to get used to it.”
On Bec Thomas’ penalty heroics
“Bec’s a massive confidence player and I’m delighted for her today. She’s got family here watching, friends from work who I’ve just spoke to.
“She’s a great goalkeeper, a superb goalkeeper and she’s waited a long time for an opportunity. She’s grasped that opportunity.
“When it comes to penalties, I always have this really good feeling with Bec. You’ve seen her save them time after time again – Forest at home a couple of years ago, Newcastle away in the FA Cup. She’s got a real habit of helping us out in cup competitions to get through the rounds.”
On the final against Rugby Borough and the week ahead
“They’re not a team that I know a lot about. I think it will be a fantastic final whatever and a great occasion for us to mark in the diary.
“That’s so far beyond my thoughts at the minute, my thoughts are focused on Wednesday night.
“What we have to do is start turning this league table upside down because it’s not good enough, we know it’s not good enough.
“We’ve got an opportunity for six points. It will be tough away at the Memorial Ground, I’m pretty sure Stourbridge will have been here today and making their game plan.
“The girls will be ready. They’re excited for a three-game week and that’s a very good start to what will hopefully be a successful three games.”
On getting players back in the fold
“We’re starting to get players back now. It was brilliant to get Summer (Holmes) back on the pitch. You’ve seen what she brings, she’s just top drawer – I think the girl is outstanding.
“She’s so calm and composed on the ball. Everything she does is unbelievable so it’s fantastic for her to get 20 minutes there and that will help us progressing forward.
“It was great to get Morph (Anna Morphet) on the pitch, great to get Robbo (Beth Roberts) through the 90 minutes.
“We’re looking good in all areas. We obviously had Layla (Banaras) and Meesha (Dudley-Jones) not available today, Lexie Harrison as well due to being cup tied.
“They’ll come back into the fold this week. We’ll get in Tuesday, have a good assessment of what’s going on and we can go from there.”
On the game being switched to Compton
“I know there will be a lot of disappointed people. We wanted to build on last week’s amazing occasion, but what was right for the players and club had to happen today.
“Unfortunately a lot of people had to miss out but hopefully in the next few weeks when we’re back at Telford, we can welcome them back in and get behind the girls again.
“What happened today needed to happen, so thank you for the continued support and hopefully we’ll see you back at Telford soon.”
