Bayside United coach Graham Dudley was left satisfied with the effort and intent of his young side, who performed admirably in the 2-1 loss to the high-flying Calder United.
His young charges worked to execute a clamping game plan on the opposition in the first half, knowing full well the capacities Calder had to playing free-flowing football.
While they went into the break facing a two-goal, Dudley knew the avenue back into the game was wide open.
“We packed the midfield because Calder we knew are very fast – the speed at which they play is phenomenal,” Dudley said.
“The intention was to go into the break at 0-0 or 1-0 down at half-time, then go out full-blazed in the second half.
“As a squad, we’re slowly identifying our different strengths and weaknesses, but tonight again reiterated that the young girls that we have in this squad, they’re well deservedly playing senior football. The majority are under 18.”
“I’m not surprised, I think we should have come off a little bit more lucky in the second half, but we definitely created the opportunities.”
The hosts controlled the second half at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex and got reward for their hard-toiling, with a goal to youngster Bronte James.
A shot from American international Kendra Jones was parried into the path of the substitute forward, who forced the ball home from the right of the area to grab a goal back.
However, the selection issue at the other end of the park was a particular talking point at the end of the game, with Erin Hudson preferred over former Sandringham SC and Ashburton United keeper Ingrid Phillipe.
“It is a week to week [proposition]. They’re on the same par,” Dudley explained.
“We talk a lot and we’ve kept it very open between them because they’ve both got such great assets. One will be better in one area, but one will be better than the other in an area.
“It’s a lovely position to be in – having two good goalkeepers working together throughout the season. We come up with the Team App Cup this week on Wednesday so Ingrid will take on the role for that game.
“But it’s nice to have two great keepers available to us.”
Phillipe and her Bayside United teammates will face up against State League One side Eltham Redbacks at Eltham North Reserve on Wednesday night, giving them a chance to promptly return to the winner’s circle.