Wolves Women boss Dan McNamara praised ‘excellent’ all-round performance with a 4-0 win over Boldmere St Michaels Women in the Birmingham FA Challenge Cup quarter-final.
The win secured their passage into the final four of the competition and will be looking to avoid WSL side Aston Villa in the semi-final.
Joining both sides in the next round are National League South Rugby Borough and fellow National League North side West Bromwich Albion.
Goals from Ellie Wilson, Amber Hughes, Ania Denham, and an own goal saw Wolves to a comfortable victory at Compton Park.
“The way we moved the ball, especially in that second half, was excellent at times. It’s a massive credit to the girls, they’ve executed another game plan and got themselves four goals,” said McNamara.
Whilst the goals would’ve pleased boss McNamara, Wolves managed the blustery conditions and had Bec Thomas in fine form at the other end.
“We pride ourselves on clean sheets as well as wins, it’s tough because when Thomas comes in and keeps a clean sheet, it makes my life more difficult.
“What pleased me most was her distribution – it was like having a fourth centre back in there.
“I thought the defence over the past few weeks is really showing that maturity. We’ve had some of those girls for a while now and they’ve grown with us.
“I’m delighted to see KJ [Katie Johnson], Anna Morphet, and Emma [Cross] who have been here for my whole journey. They’ve really imposed themselves on games, they really were excellent,” added McNamara.
After last weekend’s 8-0 win over Stourbridge FC Ladies, complacency was no issue for the Old Gold, especially with another Midlands side in Boldmere making the short trip to Compton Park.
McNamara continued: “We took some time to settle into the game, that’s the nature of these cup ties especially with local opposition. They had some great players to make it a competitive game.
“It was a good performance and it’s always pleasing to get through the quarter-final of the cup. We set the challenge to be in all the competitions come January and we’re doing that.”
Goal scorer Wilson, who nodded home the opener just before the break, was delighted with not only her performance but their ability to keep Boldmere at arm’s length.
“We took a bit of time to settle in the first half, but once we had the opening goal, we were really able to find our rhythm,” said Wilson. “We kept sticking to the game plan and we came through it.
“There were a few moments where we thought we had to switch on but it’s important that we keep clean sheets and be solid at the back.
“It just shows that strength in depth we have. Everybody is competing for shirts and places, there’s lots of competition but it shows with the different scorers – it’s very pleasing for the team.”
Photo credit: Wolves Women FC
