Huge belief in what we can do

24 July 2011

Huge belief in what we can do

Speaking after Friday nights home defeat to Lincoln Ladies Vixens manager Mark Sampson was clearly disappointed to have lost their un-beaten home record but remained upbeat on the direction the team are moving in.

"The performance we put in tonight should have been good enough to take the points. Similar to the first half of the season the performance was better than the points we got, there were many positives. In open play we had 19 attempts on goal to their 7 and dominated possession but the goals we conceded we are disappointed with. It’s not like us to concede in that manner where our concentration has let us down. We knew Lincoln would be a threat from set plays and we didn’t deal with two corners and in the end that cost us dearly. We need to become more ruthless, have more of a cutting edge to our play in both boxes, we need to convert our opportunities and defend with more concentration. It’s that winning mentality we need to have more of to make that happen."

"Tonight we didn’t get the luck, we need to work through this period of bad luck where our performances are good but we are not getting the wins we deserve. Once we get through it we will be a stronger side and a side that is even more ready to compete. We are just past half way and now in sixth place, we need to understand why we are there, what we need to change and what we need to improve. That is something that is going to help us get to the places where we want to be. It is difficult as the games come thick and fast now for the next few weeks so we need to understand the importance of each match and be ready to play at our maximum level. After a defeat you want a chance as soon as possible to bounce back and to show a reaction, we have that with a big test against Birmingham on Wednesday"

"The table is significant at the end of the season before the end of season cup competition, which is when we want to be in the right position. Now it is about showing the courage to believe in our principles and continuing to grow as a group. We have got huge belief in what we can do and what we can achieve, we will get together and push together to make sure we get the rewards the quality of our football and the quality of the squad deserves."

Bristol Academy's next match is against WSL League leaders Birmingham City Ladies at the Stoke Gifford Stadium on Wednesday. The match kicks off at 7:30pm and is exclusively live on ESPN.

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