By James Dow
USW Women’s manager Craig Reddy admitted his side were “as bad as we’ve been all season” in their 5-2 loss at home to Bath University.
The away side took an early lead after two quick-fire goals from Mia Blazey in a half Bath largely dominated.
USW started strongly in the second half and scored two goals in five minutes through Taite Trivett and Meg Saunders to bring it level.
But Bath pulled away again in the second half with three goals that sealed a comfortable win.
‘The first half was probably as bad as we have played all season, which is disappointing considering we had one of the stronger teams we have had available out,” said Reddy.
“We just didn’t get close to them, didn’t pick up any second balls and didn’t really threaten them. I always felt we were hanging in there.”
When asked what was said at half time to encourage the team Reddy replied: “A few home truths but they took it well.
“They needed to be told but they knew themselves they didn’t live up to their own expectations.
Pic: Blake Bint
“They set their own standards and fell short of those standards today.
“In the second half we changed things, we changed the system and moved players around.
“The girls reacted and got themselves back into it and at 2-2 we looked a better side.
“But for whatever reason we just seemed to stop.
“I don’t know if they felt a bit of pressure because they got back into that position, but we just seemed to stop playing again and reverted back to the first half which is really disappointing after working so hard to get back into it.”
Reddy did praise Bath saying: “Their performance was as good as any team I have seen this season.”
USW’s final game before the Christmas break is away to Essex next week and Reddy knows how difficult it will be.
“We know Essex will be a tough game, we were quite impressed with them when we narrowly beat them at home,” Reddy added.
“We felt they were a very good team and last week they beat Bristol which shows how good a team they are.
“It’s the last one we have before Christmas so we will go there and give it our best shot.”