Despite witnessing his side give up an early one-goal advantage, Monbulk coach Quenten Wells couldn’t have been prouder of the endeavour shown by his team throughout the 90 minutes.
A potential upset was on the cards after Nikki Ceeney capitalised on an early spell of pressure but they were to be their worst enemies – wasting a raft of other great opportunities to extend their lead.
“It definitely should have been 2-0 at half-time. Em [Hulbert] had a great chance early doors and just put it over the bar, then we got the one to put us 1-0 ahead,” Wells said.
“We were fantastic, we were actually dominating one of the best sides in the competition, it was good. We conceded a soft goal in the last 10 minutes [of the half] and let them back in it, gave them some confidence.
“I was happy we got to the break at 1-1 but I think if we’d have taken our chances, it should’ve been two or three.
“[The message at half-time] was more of the same really, just keeping it nice and tight at the back, as we did in the first half, and then being nice and strong going forward and take those chances. Be more clinical, more composed in front of goal.
“Realise that they’ve probably got more time in that 18-yard box than they think they have, to take that bit of composure and slot it.”
An early goal to Padiki Dade in the second term gave Bundoora the lead for the first time that night; Wells was made to rue a slow-starting half.
“I thought we came out after half time a bit off. We weren’t right on our game and they snuck a scrappy goal,” he said.
“It sort of game them the ascendency, but the girls fought well to the end. I was happy with the way they fought back after that to be honest.
Despite the loss, it’s been a positive fortnight for the Rangers, who nicked a resolute draw against Box Hill the week prior.
The head coach has no real expectations for the rest of the season, but has been convinced his girls have enough about them to compete with the very best sides – despite the impending departure of star Emily Hulbert.
“Really proud of the girls today. Last week was a great result against Box Hill, to get a 0-0 with them. It’s got to be about us as a team and a squad, try and change a few things for the rest of the season and get a few results,” he said.
“If we can pick up a point here or there against the top sides – and we’ve got a massive run home – if we can keep working on them, who knows, we might pinch three sometime and see where we get to at the end of the season.
“Anything can happen.”