Reaction: Head coach Lee Kendall affirmed his faith in his side after a frustrating defeat to Bath 1st

by Luke Hawkins & Editor

USW Men’s 1st head coach Lee Kendall was keen to focus on the positives, despite his side’s 2-1 defeat to University of Bath.

Bath were bottom of the league going into the match but capitalised on their limited chances in a game Kendall’s side dominated at the Sport Park in Treforest.

They controlled possession and created most of the chances, aspects of their game Kendall believed would be rewarded in their remaining three matches.

“It’s a despondent dressing room in there, naturally, but there are a lot of positives to take in their character and attitude and the way in which they apply themselves.

“You’re going to lose matches, that’s football, it’s how you respond, for us as a group we learn very quickly.

“We’re a team that are on the up in my view. We’ve got players in there who are desperate to do well both academically and on the football pitch so we’ll use this as an opportunity to grow and move forward and look forward to three important games after Christmas.”

USW went 1-0 down after a goal from Bath’s Lewis White in the 11th minute, but battled for the rest of the first half.

They controlled possession and managed to make the chances pay just before half time. Centre back Louis Gerrard scored the header after being treated for a knock moments before.

“It was a good time to score before half time from a set piece, something we pride ourselves on, and I thought we were on the up then when we hit the break,” said Kendall.

Much like the first half, Bath were on the defensive after the break but got on top again when White got his second from a corner.

“We probably weren’t at our best when we were marking in the box. It’s something the lads are disappointed about because they pride themselves on that, but we’re a team that competes and leaves everything on the pitch,” added Kendall.

His side will now have to wait until after Christmas for their next opportunity to get their campaign back on track. They face Swansea University at Sport Park on January 15th with the return fixture at Sketty Lane two weeks later.

“We made a shape change today in regards to how we typically set up. The way we operated was good, it’ll put us in good stead because it allows us to try different formations and be flexible.”

But the gaffer joked that the result was one he wouldn’t be able to forget during the festivities: “We know we’ve got a lot of time now to think about it over the Christmas period which, for me, probably has ruined my Christmas, because you get to think about football quite a bit but again gives you a lot of time to think about how you’re going to go and execute the next game plan, which hopefully will be a positive one against Swansea on the new pitch.”