Northampton Town Women joint-managers Josh Oldfield and Liam Williams were pleased with their side’s 2-1 win over Cambridge United in their second pre-season friendly at Sixfields Stadium on Saturday.
The Cobblers’ fixture at home to the side who finished eighth in the FA Women’s National League Division One South East in the 2022-23 season was played directly following the men’s first team match against Leicester City.
“The pattern of the game was similar to last week’s and the girls have grafted really hard again,” Oldfield said.
“We did well with the ball in the first half and we were more structured in the second.
“That meant we were more comfortable without the ball, and Cambridge didn’t hurt us despite having more of it.
“We don’t just have good players, we have real hard workers throughout the group, and we needed that today because we went behind for the first time in a while.
“It was pleasing to overturn the deficit and go on to win.”
Oldfield and Williams’ side travel to Needham Market in their third friendly match next week. Their opponents finished third in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division last season.
Williams is challenging his players to build on their 100% start to their pre-season schedule.
“Winning breeds confidence and we’re building the momentum that we want to take into the season,” he added.
“Whilst we’re pleased with how we ended last season, if we could go back and change one thing it would be how we started it.
“It’s different now because that was our first season in the FAWNL, and we have a season of experience under our belts.
“We’re ready to attack those first few games and get off to a good start.”