Ward: Big step in the right direction

Carla Ward claims Saturday's 1-1 draw between Aston Villa and Manchester City was 'a big step in the right direction'.

Villa Women have been far more competitive against the league's best sides this season than in campaigns prior, and that continued on Saturday in Manchester.

Deyna Castellanos opened the scoring for City as she slid the ball past Anna Leat, but Kirsty Hanson levelled the score just three minutes later.

Villa were assured from there on out and even had chances to win the game, but Ward was full of praise for her squad.

“It was a whole-team performance," said the boss.

"We’re disappointed not to win the game… I thought we were excellent!"

"There weren’t too many spells in the game where we didn’t have control of it. It’s another step in the right direction. There are a few areas we can improve in.”

Villa fell behind for the second consecutive game.

But like our victory over Tottenham Hotspur, we bounced back quickly.

“I never doubt this group’s character," Ward said of her side's increasing levels of resilience.

"It was important that when we did go behind we didn’t roll over."

"It’s a really important point, especially to come here after last season. We were hugely disappointed, this is a big step in the right direction.”

You can watch Carla Ward's post-match interview, in full, below.