Penalty shootout hero Bec Thomas has praised Wolves Women for fighting until the end during Sunday’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final victory over West Bromwich Albion.
Despite falling two goals behind early on, Wolves rallied and eventually levelled through substitute Jade Cross who poked home in the 90th minute and sent the tie to penalties. Goalkeeper Thomas heroically saved the first two penalties to set the Old Gold on their way to yet another Challenge Cup final for the holders, and she has explained some of the thinking behind her success at saving the spot kicks.
On her reflections on the game
“In the first half with the two goals I felt like I let the team down and should’ve done better with those.
“When it went into penalties, I thought it was my chance to give the team something back after getting a 2-2 draw.
“Saving the first two gives us that advantage and I’m happy to repay them for the mistakes I’d made.”
On fighting until the end
“That’s one thing I don’t think we ever fail to do. We constantly keep going, no matter what the score. We always take it right to the end.
“It did feel like it was going to be one of those days. We kept pushing and pushing, and it was coming. In the end it did, so we’re buzzing.”
On the strength in depth
“Going back a couple of seasons, we didn’t have that strength. Now we’ve got the depth.
“We’ve got loads of players who can come on and impact in different ways. That’s showed massively today. Fair play to Jade (Cross), I’m buzzing for her too.”
On her penalty saves
“Hugh (McCluskie) said to me just before we started to look at them and go one way. In the past I’ve stood and not been able to read it.
“I went with his tactic, did that and read it quite well. I tried to do it with the others, but I can’t fault saving two.
“We didn’t actually practice anything this week regarding penalties. For me, that’s good because I don’t like going too much into it.”
Two saves in the shootout 🧤
— Wolves Women FC (@WolvesWomen) February 18, 2024
Take a bow, Bec Thomas! pic.twitter.com/QgCD6VvF4q
On reaching the final and beating West Brom
“The last couple of seasons I’ve unfortunately missed out through injury so hopefully I can play in a final and help us get a trophy behind us this season.
“I used to play for them (West Brom) so I want to fight, want us to win and it’s always going to be feisty. I think both teams did really well.”
On facing Stourbridge on Wednesday
“It’s another game to keep going. I feel like I’ve been in good form recently and been able to get some game time behind me.
“Hopefully I can help the team get a win in the league and we can start pushing to finish as high as we can.”
