Derby County Women went down 1-0 at Halifax FC Women on Sunday afternoon in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division.
Drew Greene’s first half strike proved to be the difference on the day although the Ewes did have chances to equalise.
Their best opportunity came at the end of the first half when forward Eleanor Ashton had a penalty saved by Halifax goalkeeper Becky Flaherty.
The Ewes’ next outing is on Sunday 21st April when they take on
Cambridge United Women in the Final of the National League Plate at FC
United of Manchester’s Broadhurst Park (2pm kick-off), while their next
league fixture will see them head to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday
24th April (7:45pm kick-off).
“You Need To Find A Way To Win And We Didn't” - Griffiths
Manager Sam Griffiths pulled no punches when offering her assessment of Derby’s performance.
Griffiths wasn’t happy with the side’s display as they tasted defeat in their final fixture before the FA Women’s National League Plate Final against Cambridge United on Sunday.
On a tricky pitch, the Derby boss was quick to stress that the playing surface’s condition was not an excuse.
Reviewing her side’s display, she said: “It was awful, to be honest. We didn’t start great, but we did grow into it in the first half and had the chance to score the penalty.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy coming here and trying to play didn’t work for us at all on a difficult pitch.
“You must find a way to win. Halifax are good at what they do and they had that heart and desire that we maybe were lacking today, which sometimes you need more than anything else.
“The pitch isn’t an excuse at all. It obviously played a part, but it isn’t the reason we lost and didn’t perform.”
She added: “We had a lengthy debrief and we’re disappointed and deflated.”
“We Didn't Show Enough” - Sims
Captain Amy Sims admitted the Ewes’ players didn’t do manager Sam Griffiths or themselves justice with their performance.
Sims, who was celebrating her 25th birthday, was left to rue a disappointing afternoon as the side were unable to extend their unbeaten run in the league to three games.
After the recent 2-1 home win over AFC Fylde and the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at Pride Park Stadium, the trip to Halifax was a chance to build momentum ahead of the upcoming FA Women’s National League Plate Final against Cambridge United this coming Sunday.
Sims said: “It was a poor game and Halifax probably showed a bit more heart and desire, which has got them the three points at the end of the day.
“We are disappointed, more than anything. Sam picks the team she thinks can get the three points and I don’t think we showed enough to do that.
“It could have been different if we had scored the penalty, which was a great save, but you never know. We won’t knock Eleanor for stepping up and taking it, fair play to her for doing that.”
She added: “We have the National League Plate Final to look forward to now, so we need to pick ourselves up, reflect on this one and go again.
“The only way we can put things right is by showing a reaction and we know we need to put a big performance on against Cambridge.”
