Charlotte Dinsdale expressed her satisfaction with the positive response shown by her team during their match against Boldmere St Michaels on Sunday, despite a 4-0 defeat.
The Imps displayed attacking intent and dominated certain phases of the game, but were ultimately unlucky not to find the back of the net. However, after losing 9-1 to the same opponent a week before, the coach feels there are some signs of postivity.
Reflecting on the performance, Dinsdale told the club’s official site: “It was great to see a positive reaction from the squad. We’ve had a really strong week of training, trying new approaches, and if we can cut out some small errors, we could have made the game much more competitive in terms of the scoreline.”
“We’ve made a few adjustments, including moving players into different roles, which gave us more energy in the forward areas. I’m really pleased with how the work we’ve done in training was reflected in our play on the pitch.”
The head coach also highlighted standout performances across the field, particularly praising the team’s high pressing which unsettled Boldmere at times.
“We had some excellent individual performances,” she added. “Lexie Butterworth, as always, gave her all, and it’s amazing to think she’s just turned 17 – she’s definitely one to watch for the future. Eva Fowler brought great energy on the left, and Hayley Wood, on her debut, was outstanding. Overall, we looked like a real attacking threat, and that’s just a few examples – there were strong displays all over the pitch.”
With Thursday’s local derby against Lincoln United on the horizon, Dinsdale is keen to build on the promising elements from Sunday’s match. “It was a positive display, and we hope to continue improving ahead of Thursday’s game,” she added.
Currently, the Imps sit at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first points of the season. Meanwhile, United, promoted last season, have managed to stay above the relegation zone.
The two teams recently met in the cup, where Boldmere secured a dominant 9-1 victory. Boldmere likely felt confident going into the league clash after that emphatic win, where Janelle Straker netted a hat-trick, and substitute Tilly Astell contributed with two goals.
As if there wasn’t enough to contend with, a serious injury is adding to City’s challenges, as the club confirmed the loss of midfielder Ebony Foley, who has ruptured her ACL. In a statement, the club expressed its support: “Everyone at City wishes Ebony all the best in her recovery as our medical team assists her through rehabilitation.”
This looks like being a tough season for the women’s team, who underwent a significant period of change over the summer. Most of the squad, as well as the management moved on, with a fresh approach taken by the club. There’s very much a feeling that this is two steps back to take strides forward in the future, but that a challenging campaign lies ahead for the team.