EAP coach Kat Smith has acknowledged that the gulf in experience between her players and those of South Melbourne was the difference in her side’s 0-5 loss at home on Sunday afternoon.
The player-coach admitted that conceding two goals early in the first half knocked the stuffing out of her team.
“We knew they were going to come out and press being one of the few teams that actually do and with quality players up front, they managed to take their opportunities and put two away nice and early. And with such a young squad, I think we were really unsettled after that,” she explained.
“Some of our early conceded goals were from bad decisions and it’s a new environment for the girls to have so much pressure put on them. They’re looking at playing at the next level, so now know what they need to improve on.”
“It’s a learning curve for us and a very steep one, but it’s probably something we need and we can bounce back from.”
When asked whether she would be forced to consider making changes ahead of next week’s fixture, she held back, emphasising the importance of putting in a strong performance.
“To concede that last one in the second half was a bit unlucky, but that’s football. We’ll keep pushing and trying to play. We’re not going to change how we play based on results. If we lose 5-0 or 6-0 next week and play well, I’ll be happy with that,” she affirmed.
The loss was EAP’s first of the season, but after a bright start, will still feel confident of coming away with the three points ahead of their clash against the Casey Comets on Sunday afternoon.
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