Dan McNamara was disappointed with his Wolves Women side after only picking up a point at the New Bucks Head against Stoke City.
The Old Gold could only find the back of the net in the fifth minute of additional time after dominating for large spells, as Ellie Wilson dramatically equalised after rising highest in the box to head home for the leveller. Boss McNamara spoke on the Potters’ game plan, a late comeback goal, the return of Skye Owen and new arrival Meesha Dudley-Jones.
On his thoughts on the game
"Massively disappointed, not good enough. The girls have got to take a bit of ownership of that, and we will look at ourselves as a staff. We can't come and turn up for the big games and not these.
"Stoke came with a gameplan, and it was evident what they wanted to do when the goalkeeper went down three times in the first half, but that is football.
"That is where they are at, and that is the game plan they came with, and obviously we had chances to go ahead in the first half, and we don't take them.
"All of a sudden, the game becomes nervy, and they get half a chance through a goalkeeping error and they’re 1-0 up, and we had something to fight for.
"We have to go away and reflect and understand that's why we are where we are in the league table at the minute."
On the build-up play and domination of the ball
"I think they [Stoke] defended really well. We played into their hands, we wanted everything to be the final pass.
"We were snatching at stuff in desperation to go 1-0 up but, as I have said, we have cut them open with a fantastic move which we have got to score.
"Then a set piece comes in, and we have to score and we don't take those chances, and then all of a sudden they have something to hang on for.
"As I have said, it is so disappointing with Burnley dropping points again today. We thought there may have been a little avenue back in, but we need to close the door on any kind of league this year.
"We need to try and put some consistency together in our form over the next few weeks and ultimately try and finish as strong as we can in the second period of the season, as mistakes have cost us once again today.
"As they did at Stoke away and Forest away it seems like that is something that is creeping in within league games, and I cannot put my finger on it yet.
"Reflection from the whole camp but a very disappointing day at the office."
On the determination to find a last-minute equaliser
"Of course, you’re glad you haven't lost a game as we pride ourselves on not losing games at the New Bucks Head, but that feels like a loss.
"I can't think of many opportunities that Stoke have created to be honest. As I said, they came with a game plan, and that is where they are at the minute, and it was effective.
"They leave with a point and have taken four points off us this season, but that is the only positive today.
"I will never fault the girls' work rate as they work hard every week, whether training or playing games.
"For some reason, we cannot transfer that real quality that we have in cup competitions this year onto the pitch in the league, and it's puzzling.
"We have to try and find why very quickly and not let it jeopardise what we are doing for the rest of the season.
"Credit to the girls for getting us back in it, but overall, I am hugely disappointed."
On Owen's return from loan and Dudley-Jones joining the group
"I thought Skye was excellent when she came on. I said go and play with a bit of freedom as she had nothing to lose, and see where it gets you.
"She looked really tidy and comfortable in there, and you could see what the Khalsa loan has done, it's really helped her game come on.
"I thought Meesha was good and held the ball up. She didn't get as long as she needed to affect the game.
"But again, we cannot be dropping points against Stoke at home. We have to be winning games like that, and ultimately, we haven't, so disappointed."
