2 weeks Ago
INTERIM boss Marieanne Spacey-Cale has "absolute confidence" that things will "come together" for Southampton FC Women before the end of the season. Saints suffered a 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games across all competitions. Spacey-Cale, who is in charge until the end of the season, having replaced Remi Allen, is still searching for her first win since returning to the dugout.
Saints skipper Jemma Purfield's own goal proved to be the difference at Ewood Park as the visitors continued their end-of-season slump. “It was a tough one to take," said Spacey-Cale. "I felt we had some moments, certainly the last 20 minutes in the first-half where we dominated and played some excellent football.
“It was just the finishing touch that we were waiting for. Once that comes, everyone gets a boost to go again. The last 20 minutes of the first-half were excellent.
“At the start of the second-half we were just getting our momentum again, and we knew that would come out like they did in the first-half. We were ready for that. “We had to step up again, but them scoring took the wind out of our sails.
That is football, you have to deal with those things and step up. "They troubles us a bit, but we could have been a bit more dangerous with that final shot.” She continued: “Football is a game where goals spur everyone on, and when you are not scoring, or not scoring many, it can impact across the pitch.
“We have to keep trusting, keep believing that we are playing some really good football and using the ball really well. "Defensively, we looked strong and had good shape. We have three games left - we keep saying it - but at some point, things will come together.
I have absolute confidence in that.” Saints have not won in the Women's Championship since their narrow 1-0 victory at Charlton Athletic in early November. Although they are not at risk of relegation, Saints' lowly league position is a stark contrast to their promotion ambitions at the start of the season.
"When we come back from the international break, we need to come back with some fire in our bellies more than anything," Spacey-Cale concluded. "We need to play our way out of this season rather than let it go quietly. We can see these last three games as an opportunity to look at what we want to do next season.
"The talent in this group, and there is a varied level of experiences - this will be a good learning season for everybody, staff and players. "We need to see this season out with some passion and real pride. We have three games; let's just attack them.
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