Olli Harder was disappointed that West Ham United Women fell to defeat against Manchester City, but took positives from the performance that his side put in.
A resolute showing from the Irons was not enough to contain Gareth Taylor’s City, who found the net in either half courtesy of Georgia Stanway and Khadija Shaw.
And despite having chances themselves, West Ham failed to get on the scoresheet.
“The result wasn’t what we’d hoped for,” Harder told West Ham TV. “But, overall, I think a lot of things that we did out there were positive. We need to be a little bit more clinical in those moments – and then maybe it could have been a different result.
‘I thought the goals that we conceded were poor. Bunny Shaw scoring from three yards out really killed the game for us. But the real positive today was our reaction from both of the goals - I love seeing that from the players.”
The Hammers kept City at arm’s reach, and probably should have got back into the match with the chances that they created.
But the game was certainly an entertaining one, with masses watching live on Sky Sports News.
"The key for developing the product is that we have games like this - it’s our job to develop the entertainment value. We need to make sure we compete in these matches, that we make the game exciting, and we did that today.
"As I said, it’s not the result we wanted, but it sets up the opportunity for us to create some excitement for the FA Cup semi-final, which we have coming up."
Manchester City will be back in east London on Saturday 16 April, in what promises to be an exciting Vitality Women's FA Cup semi-final tie.
And Harder is looking forward to the rematch in the competition.
“I spoke to the players about the positives that we had from this game at full-time. We exploited them in moments that we had, and we need to make sure that we do that again, but also add the final pass, the final shot or that final bit of decision-making.
“We need to learn from today and take it into the semi-final, it promises to be an exciting game.
“I think if we can generate an atmosphere here and get a big crowd, then I think it’ll really spur the team on. West Ham fans should be proud to have a team in an FA Cup semi-final, and we need to leave everything out there on the pitch.”
Whilst the Irons fell to defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, Gilly Flaherty claimed a historic milestone as she became the first-ever female footballer to claim 100 competitive appearances for the Club.
And Harder praised the skipper for a fantastic performance and achieving a superb milestone for the club.
“It’s a huge achievement for any player,” Harder concluded.
“She’s the first player to do it for this football club, so it’s a special moment – and on top of that, she put in a really solid performance from her today, and we’re all really pleased for her.”
You can purchase your tickets for what promises to be a thrilling FA Cup tie against Manchester City now!
