David Wright (Image: Ross Halls)
David Wright (Image: Ross Halls)
Ipswich Town Women manager David Wright said he was 'over the moon' with his side’s performance despite their cruel 1-0 defeat to London City Lionesses last night, insisting the Blues did not deserve to lose after a determined display.
Town looked set to take the Women’s League Cup tie to penalties after holding their higher-level opponents at bay, only to concede late on.
Wright praised his players despite the defeat.
“I thought the girls were outstanding,” he said.
“In moments like this, I've said to the girls how proud I am of working with them because the behaviour is really important to me and just their desire to compete, their desire to be really disciplined in terms of holding their shape and fighting and pressing. It's absolutely outstanding.
David Wright (Image: Ross Halls)
“It's such a great base for me to build from.”
Wright admitted the late defeat was frustrating but felt his side had matched one of the strongest teams they had faced.
“They didn't deserve that one at the end,” he said.
“But it just shows you when you're playing against some of the best players, all they need is a slight door opening, a crack, and they've got the quality to step through it and punish you.”
Wright was particularly pleased with his team’s defence after London City created few clear chances despite sustained pressure and numerous corners.
“Outstanding,” Wright said when asked about his defence.
Jorja Fox battling for the ball (Image: Ross Halls)
“It starts right from the front as well.
“I think out of possession it's a choice and the girls worked their absolute socks off to earn that and not give them any clear opportunities.
“They must have had 20 corners and we dealt with them all. Those bits were outstanding.”
The match also gave several players valuable minutes after Wright made nine changes to his starting line-up.
“Some of the girls needed some minutes,” he said.
“For them to miss pre-season and perform at the level they did is a great sign for us.
“They've definitely given me some headaches anyway, which is a great problem to have because the level of performance tonight was really good.”
The dressing room was disappointed after conceding so late, but Wright believes the display showed the squad’s strength ahead of Sunday’s WSL2 clash with Sheffield United.
“They should be really proud of their performance,” he said.
“It shows how strong the squad is, right the way through, not just in quality and depth, but their behaviours and their fight for each other is outstanding.”
London City broke the deadlock in the 90th minute when Dutch international Danielle Van De Donk struck the crossbar and roof of the net.