Charlton Athletic Women lost 1-0 away to Everton today in a spirited display despite ending the game with nine players. It was the second loss in a row for the team, but it was a much improved performance compared to last week.
Karen Hills said that she thought her team was 'outstanding today' and showed that the Addicks were 'here not to make up the numbers'.
"I thought we were outstanding today and really showed that we can compete, and we’re here not to make up the numbers. It’s night and day from last week, and I'm just absolutely gutted for them because we worked so hard, and then a decision that potentially goes against you."
That decision was to send off Ashleigh Neville in the 58th minute with the scores still level.
On that decision, Hills said: "It was disappointing. I think it’s that decision that they’ve made. I don’t think the referee made the decision, I think it was the fourth [official].
"They’re a team at the end of the day, and they have to work together, but I think if you watch it back, it's hip-on-hip. Yes, her foot was a little bit higher, and that’s what they’ve seen. Disappointed because that changes the momentum of the game."
Before going down to 10 and even after, Charlton still performed well and were unlucky to go behind after a cross came off Leighanne Robe and snuck past Sophie Whitehouse in the goal. It is a loss, but the marked improvement for the team pleased Hills after the Liverpool game last week.
"I think we’ve had really good moments in the final third compared to what we did last week. There were some shots on target, which was a positive from last week.
"We were more aggressive all over the pitch; I thought our shape was excellent, I thought the discipline was really good, and we created those moments. It’s that last little bit.
"I thought we carved out a really good one, and N’Dow’s had a free header, and it’s gone just past the post. It’s those moments that we have to realise that’s the moment we need to take.
"It’s another learning curve for us, another opportunity to see where we did some really good stuff, definitely from where we were last week, so that’s a positive, and we go again next week."
The second red in the game was shown to Hawa Cissoko in extra time for two yellow cards.
On Cissoko's dismissal, Hills said: "I think Hawa’s going to be very disappointed, as we are. She’s been fantastic coming in with leadership qualities, but it’s the opening game for her and maybe a little bit overeager.
"I think she's very disappointed about that, and I think it’s one of those moments that, as a team, we’ll be around her."
She added: "It’s always an uphill battle when you go a couple of players down, and they can completely dominate the game in that sort of phase.
"We changed the shape again to try and put a little bit more pressure, but going two players down against a team like that, it's always going to be tough, so lots of learnings for us. We need 11 players on the pitch to compete at this level."