Swindon Town Women’s manager Richard Wood was “disappointed” with his side’s 2-1 loss to Lewes Women as the Robins rocky form continues.
“First thought is disappointing, I think we’ve done well in all three of those games but we’ve started them poorly and if we let a team go 2-0 up we are making it more difficult for ourselves but I don’t think its through lack of effort and trying from the players.”
The freshly promoted Reds find themselves with a singular point in their last three encounters with that point coming in a goalless draw against Oxford.
Wood is adamant that his side are still united in their efforts to turn around their season and how they’re is no need to panic just yet.
“We have to stick together because now its getting difficult. Last season we had the experience of winning a lot and we’ve earned the right for this step up in challenge and its hard.
“Quite frankly we made two mistakes and got punished for them early on in the game and that’s coast us the opportunity to get any points or even a win for the game.
“I think we were the better team for the second half but I still think we could play better, but I don’t think they’re way above us.”
Goals from Paula Howells and Olivia Herbert-Johnson saw the visitors go 2-0 up before a stab home by Katie Sherwood from close range bought Wood’s side back into the match.
In an encounter that had many a hefty challenge, the referee didn’t hand out a single booking. Alongside the lack of brandishing of any cards, a controversial penalty decision left a little be desired by the referring standard.
“It’s difficult because I wouldn’t want to be a referee, I’ve done it in little moments and its not an easy job but my general observation frankly is the referring at this level is way off of the football level and I think if you ask any of the managers, they’d say the same thing. I think they’re doing their best but they need help.”
The Robins boss made sure this wasn’t used as an excuse for why his side didn’t pick up three points on the day.
“I dont get caught up on referees, we have to control the controllable, I think its all over, even just down to the fact we had three minutes added on at the end when we are desperately trying to get something out of the game.
“Frankly both sets of players and managers were frustrated and its harder to play your best football when your frustrated.”
Swindon will turn their attention to FA Cup action next weekend where they will take on Bridgewater in the first round and a turn in form could be on the cards for The Reds.
