Northampton Town Women joint-managers Josh Oldfield and Liam Williams felt that there were positives to take from their side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Sporting Khalsa in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands on Sunday.
Kim Farrow scored the Cobblers’ goal as they narrowly lost in front of 633 supporters at Sixfields Stadium, in celebration of International Women’s Day.
“It was a really competitive game,” Williams said.
“We started quite nervously, and maybe that’s down to not playing for a while.
“It took us a while to get into our stride, but we were comfortable with the way we finished the first half.
“We lost a bit of momentum in the second half, perhaps due to a lack of sharpness.
“We found ourselves two goals down, but we’re pleased with the way the girls rallied at the end.
“Ultimately, we left ourselves with too much to do against a good side.”
Goalkeeper Katie McLean made a number of impressive saves throughout, whilst defender Laila Channell was named as Player of the Match by the Northamptonshire FA.
Midfielder Georgia Gale also came off the bench to make her first team debut.
“There’s lots to be happy about,” Oldfield added.
“Katie was outstanding, not just because of her saves, but also the way she dominated her box and started counter-attacks.
“Laila was superb, and it’s a credit to her that Sporting Khalsa changed personnel to deal with her.
“She’s got a huge future ahead of her.
“I’ve worked with Georgia in the Football and Education Programme all year, and she’s been training with us for the last couple of weeks.
“She doesn’t look out of place because she uses her body well and is tidy on the ball.
“I’m sure that will be the first appearance of many, and she can be proud that her first appearance was at Sixfields.”
The Cobblers travel to promotion-chasing Boldmere St. Michaels on Tuesday night.
Vicky Barrett scored the only goal of the game as the Cobblers earned all three points in the reverse fixture in October.
