Aston Villa manager Gemma Davies has admitted that she was pleased with the reaction shown by her side in the second half of this evening’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup victory over Durham at Maiden Castle.
Villa were 1-0 down at the break against the FA Women’s Championship leaders but they were much-improved during the second half with Emma Follis’ 25-yard free-kick forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The Villains held their nerve as they went on to win the tie 4-2 on spot kicks and in-turn, top their group.
When summarising her side’s performance to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time after the match, Davies admitted that she was pleased with the response from her side throughout the second half.
“It was a tough first 45 minutes, Durham are a very good side” said the Villa boss. “They’ve got some very talented players and made it very difficult for us.
“We spent the first 20 minutes having to ride a lot of pressure but once we started taking an extra touch, we grew our momentum and grew into the game.
“Coming out for the second half, there was a reaction from the group and you really saw what we are capable of.”
The trip to the North East was always going to be a tough one for Villa, particularly given Durham’s form so far this season and their proud record against quality opposition. After winning the FA Women’s Championship herself with Villa last season, Davies believes that tonight’s opponents have enough to be champions themselves this year and to make a good fist of it in the top flight.
She added “They’ve (Durham) got a very good side, they’ve got a lot of quality, a great set up, good management and players that can play at that level.
“They’ve got a lot of effort and energy and they are ferocious to play against and you need that in the Super League.”
The format of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup has caused much confusion amongst managers, players, fans and the media this week with qualification rules providing problematic, particularly around the two best-placed runners-up. Davies went on to say that she would be in favour of a change to the competition format.
“I like the Conti Cup, it’s a good tournament” said Davies. “There is an opportunity to win another trophy and there is also the opportunity to rotate the team and that is important.
“I do think that we’ve got to look into the structure and framework of the competition going into next season.”
Aston Villa now go into the international break before facing Barclays FA Women’s Super League leaders Manchester United at The Banks’s Stadium in their next match on Saturday 5 December.