Monbulk Rangers head coach Quenten Wells was happy enough with his side’s first hit out in the Sportsmart Women’s Premier League, and wants to end up in mid-table by season’s end.
The Rangers didn’t get off to the best start, conceding two goals in the first half to Heidelberg United, but produced a much better performance after the break.
Wells was disappointed his side couldn’t create openings despite their control, and conceded the step up in level caught out some of his girls.
“We didn’t actually create any [chances], well we didn’t get any shots on goal so we didn’t test their keeper as I would’ve liked to but we definitely controlled the game a bit more and we were a bit more composed on the ball,” Wells said.
“I think the first half was a little bit of panic, and a little bit of [being] overawed by stepping up to the Premier League for the first time and they were a bit more physical and wanted the ball a bit more than us.
“[It was a] definite step up in terms of what the girls are used to, the physical side of things more than anything and the sharpness of the play, more of a mental edge really.
“I think a few of the girls, just a different speed and some of the girls not up with judging the ball that sort of stuff, especially in the air, I found that a lot of girls struggled with judging the drop of the ball, and the carry on it, but that comes with experience.
“It was a tough hit out, a bit of an eye opener for the girls but nothing we can’t work on and move forward with and challenge some as we go.”
With the first game now under their belt, Wells has targeted steady improvement over the season, especially capitalising on home form as winter begins to set in.
“[We’re] just looking for improvement every game, one game at a time, and try and pick up points at home as much as we can, and the odd one away and see if we can’t find ourselves somewhere mid-table come the end of the year, and stay up there,” he said.
Monbulk’s hopes of achieving their goals have been boosted by the arrival of former Box Hill United pair Emily Hulbert and Emma Heckenberg this season, while Liesl Woods joined from Ashburton.
Wells praised the trio, who he believes have had a big impact on the squad already.
“They make such a difference,” he said.
“Emily playing with Victory and that both [Hulbert and Heckenberg] have played at Box Hill for a number of years now, and played at this level so they have the experience along with Liesel Woods who has come up from Ashburton.
“They’ve all played pretty well for years and know what’s required and that sort of thing.
“And it just adds a bit of professionalism and a bit of class to the side, that gives a bit of calmness to the rest of the girls as well so it’s good.”