Andy Spence Proud Despite Birmingham wellying them 3-0

Andy Spence admitted a pair of Goal of the Season contenders beat Everton Ladies as Birmingham City left Marine with all three points.

Charlie Wellings and Ellen White both scored from 30 yards as the visitors won the Toffees’ final home game 3-0.

Nevertheless, Spence was proud of the display his players delivered in what was their third game of the week after the defeat to Bristol and victory over Yeovil on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.

“For large spells I thought we were very good against a side that play some of the best football in the league,” he said. “We had to respect that about Birmingham so we set up accordingly. We were done by an absolute wonder strike in the first half and then another in the second – goal of the season contenders.

“Birmingham never really cut us open, as they have done to other teams this season. We had to defend smartly in the right areas and predominantly we did that.

“I was also pleased to see a young group of players wanting to get on the ball and try and make things happen. I’m never pleased getting beat but we can look at the positives from that game and take them forward.”

Birmingham’s line up boasted a number of experienced international players, with the likes of England forward White and WSL 1 veteran Rachel Williams, leading a side that has been an established force in the top flight since the Super League’s inception in 2011.

The Blue Girls, however, could only name four substitutes because of injuries and two of those were Development Squad players Elise Hughes and Emma Doyle.

Spence recognises that his side are still someway behind reaching the levels that Birmingham – FA Cup finalists in 2017 and three points off second place in the table – have reached.

“I saw Birmingham’s team sheet and they had 18 players who all had WSL 1 experience,” he added. “I looked at mine and I couldn’t say the same. I had a couple of young girls who have been playing development squad football for most of the season, then you’ve got Taylor Hinds who hasn’t played much top flight football.

“But both Elise and Taylor came on and done great. We also lost one of our key players to injury after half an hour in Angharad James.

“That’s the difference at the moment, that difference in experience. But I still think we have made good progress this season. We are nine months into being full time and we are facing sides with many years at that level. So I don’t think we are doing too badly.”

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