SWAN Hill Soccer League women’s side went down to Kyabram Phoenix 7-0 at Ken Harrison Reserve on Sunday.
The returning team has struggled since beginning their women’s Inter-League Cup campaign three weeks ago, but are taking positives away from each match.
The team largely consists of rookies who are looking to learn the game as the season unfolds.
Despite a good first half, the side could not muster the defence needed against an experienced Kyabram side.
Captain Maggie Smith was happy with the way the side played and hoped their persistence and training would pay off in the long run.
“To start with, we played well in the first half and the girls are getting more confident,” she said.
“Despite losing, we definitely played well. We did go down a bit in the second half but we aren’t focussing just on winning or losing, it is about improving our game.
“I think our fitness and a lot of experience for the girls saw us fade away, we haven’t learnt how to play for the 90 minutes yet.”
Swan Hill were down 2-0 at the half-time break with a strong first half performance.
The second half did not go to plan for the home side as they conceded five goals, but it did not discourage keeper Kara Lierich.
Head coach Sue Fox said her side played well against a better side.
“We came up against a really strong side, the girls played to where they were shown to play,” she told The Guardian.
“Each week they are learning more and more and the confidence on the field is building. We have good numbers for training and they are enhancing their skills with drills and are playing as a team.
“Kara has been good in the goals, she is doing well to learn a spot that is new to her and she is improving each week.”
Coach Fox said the side would go back to the drawing board during their bye this weekend and come out a sharper side against Colts United Football Club on May 8.
