Gateshead Ladies manager Carl Morrison praised his side’s character in the wake of their 5-1 win at Guisborough Town Ladies.
The Heed secured their third consecutive win at The King George V Stadium on Sunday, coming from a goal behind to net five without reply and move fifth in the North East Regional Womens Football League Northern Division.
Morrison was keen to focus on his side’s response to going behind after 15 minutes, saying: “It was really good to see our character.
“Nothing changed and nobody was affected, we just kept doing what we were looking to do even when our goal didn’t come.
“Their goalkeeper kicked one onto the crossbar, made some great saves and we put a couple wide as well so you might start thinking that the goal isn’t going to come.
“We kept control of the game, kept going and got our rewards going into half time 2-1 up.
“It was great to see the character the girls showed from that early setback and our play was really good, but I think we need to be more clinical in front of goal.”
Sunday’s win saw Morrison’s side reach 12 goals in just three games, with top scorer Jessica Richardson netting her fourth of the season.
Goals from Katie Lemmon, Kirsty Pickering, Sophie Hooper and Olivia Black ensured five different names graced the scoresheet at Guisborough, and Morrison admits it could have been more.
“The goalkeeper made a fantastic save from Georgia [England] so that could have been six scorers,” he added.
“We’ve got goals from all over the pitch, so if the opposition tries to shut us down in one area then we’ve got threats in another area and it was really pleasing to see that.
“We’ve shown a bit of everything in all of our games so far, we’re getting to grips with the players and they’re getting to know us a bit more, so we’re going into games confident.”
Photo: Charlie Waugh
It remains early days for Morrison and assistant manager, Hugo Djassi, having taken charge of the team less than a month ago, but the former feels the squad have taken to their new surroundings well so far.
“Of the girls who were here last season and the girls who have just come in, you wouldn’t know who’s who because the new girls have done so well,” he said.
“They’ve taken to the change of us coming in well, and they’ve taken to the new league well.
“Three wins since we’ve come in has been great, and we’re looking to build on that now.”
A break from league competition arrives for Gateshead Ladies on Sunday (1:30pm kick off) in the form of the Durham County Cup, though they face familiar opposition in the form of Spennymoor Town Youth Ladies.
Morrison’s side emerged 4-3 winners on home soil on October 2, an outcome he hopes to repeat at The Brewery Field this weekend.
“It’s a game we’re going into to try and win, just like we did in the league fixture at home,” he added.
“It’s a good occasion, Spennymoor are really promoting the game which is fantastic to see, and it’s at the main stadium so it will be great for the fans.
“I think it’ll be a great experience and a good close game I would have thought based on the game we played at home.
“We’ve just got to make sure we show up and look to get the win.”
Tickets for Gateshead Ladies’ Durham County Cup fixture at Spennymoor Town Youth Ladies are available on the gate at The Brewery Field, with adult tickets priced at £3 while under 12s can claim free entry.
