Gemma Davies admitted Aston Villa Women played into Reading Women’s hands on Sunday, saying their second-half efforts ultimately came too late.
Villa are still searching for their first win in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League, and Davies was left to rue another slow start.
“I felt in the first 45 minutes, we struggled to secure the ball” said the Head Coach.
“We struggled to get hold of the game in central areas.
"The game bypassed our midfield.”
Nerves were an overriding factor of the opening day defeat to Manchester City at Villa Park, and Davies conceded they again had a part to play on Sunday, particularly in the first half.
“We talk a lot about taking risks and daring greatly; wanting the players to get on the ball and love the ball” Davies said.
“The response going into the second half was so much better.
“The problem we were having is that the game was so transitional; that played into Reading’s hands.”
Despite the result, Davies insisted there were signs in the second half to be optimistic about ahead of the rest of the season.
“Going into half-time when you’re losing gives you a mentality of ‘We’ve got nothing to lose’.
“We gave the team two options.
“Option one was to come back out and play like we did (in the first half), or we go out and earn the right to play.
“We did that in the second half, but ultimately it was too late.”
Davies was keen to single out Stine Larsen for opening her account in claret & blue.
“Stine’s a phenomenal talent”
“I’m pleased that she’s got her first goal in a Villa shirt and hopefully there are many more to come.”
