Dan McNamara says he is ‘delighted’ with Wolves Women’s progression into the Birmingham FA Challenge Cup final.
Wolves made the short trip to Birmingham to face Black Country rivals West Brom at the Alexander Stadium where, for the second time this season, ran out comfortable winners.
Racheal Quigley’s brace was enough to book a spot in the final of the competition where McNamara’s side will face Rugby Borough - a repeat of the 2024 final.
McNamara touched on the performance, two set-piece goals, playing a Black Country derby shortly after a frustrating defeat, a rotated lineup and upcoming fixtures.
On the performance
“It was a perfect response, I think it’s always tough when you’re trying to play against a low block. It’s quite clear what they’re game plan was tonight, to try and keep us out and take the game into the latter stages, and we had to be patient.
“A couple of times they looked lively on the turnover of the ball, but I think that's because we were a bit loose with our play in the final third in that first half.
“We spoke about it in the week, it's always hard to break down a block like that, so credit to the girls, they stuck at it. Then in the second half we just asked them to raise the levels of intensity and quality, and be a bit more careful with what they were doing, and they did that.
“On another day, we probably could've added a third or a fourth. Louanne [Worsey] misses that open goal which I know she's not happy with, but overall really pleased and a really good game to look forward to towards the end of the year.”
On two set-piece goals
“Set-pieces are a big part of the game, we've worked on them and when you play against this type of team, you have to be good and clinical with your set pieces, which I thought we were tonight - especially in that second half.
“We were a bit off it in the first half, nothing was really clicking for us, we weren't really moving the ball quick enough, but like I said, in the second half we unlocked them with a really good set play.
“I was more pleased as the game went on, we were more creative, creating more chances, but overall, a clean sheet and two goals away from home against West Brom - back where we need to be.”
On channeling frustration into the Black Country derby
“Absolutely. The whole group was frustrated from the weekend, we wanted to bounce back quickly.
“We’re playing West Brom in a Black Country derby, it doesn't matter which team are playing: Women, Youth, Men - you want to beat them.
“We did just that tonight, and celebrated with the supporters who follow us everywhere, which is very important. I know the girls enjoyed it, the staff would've enjoyed it, and it did hurt us, three weeks ago when they beat us.
“We've got a really good record against West Brom, we didn't like the way we performed in that game, so we came here with a bit of grit between our teeth, and I’m delighted to get through to the final.”
On a rotated lineup
“I thought Abi Loydon came into the group and looked amazing, she's probably wanted more minutes over the past few weeks and certain circumstances hasn't allowed that to happen, but we asked her to start the game tonight and I thought she did fantastic, her work rate, quality on the ball when she got it, I think she was probably the standout for me.
“It was great to get Casey [Howe] a start, Beth Merrick a first start of this year. Then Quigley as well, she’s a fantastic football player.
“I know she's a fan favourite, she scores goals, she creates, she’s one of the most technically gifted players I've worked with, so it was really important to get her out on the pitch and she repays you with goals, so really delighted for the girls who came in.”
On returning to Molineux
“It will be a fantastic occasion, I’m sure it will be similar to the feeling we have when coming here, I'm sure West Brom will have that coming to Molineux.
“So we have to make sure we're at it, it's great for the fans and the group to be back at Molineux, but we've got Loughborough on Sunday so that will be the focus.”
