Bolesta praises defensive effort from Hatters Ladies after QPR loss
Luton Town Ladies boss Dan Bolesta praised his much-changed side’s defensive performance during their 1-0 opening day FA Women's National League Division One South East defeat at QPR on Sunday.
With several debutants in the starting line-up and coming off the bench, the Hatters gave a fine account of themselves, breached just once, that late in the first half when Jessica Leach’s stunning strike evaded the grasp of Nicole Mellin.
Although Town battled manfully, they couldn’t grab an equaliser, Lisa Milliken going close with the very last kick, almost capitalising on a mistake from the Rangers’ keeper. However, they ended up leaving empty-handed, as Bolesta said: “Naturally we're disappointed as we didn't get anything out of the game, but the fact is we battled so well, stayed in the game and had our own chances as well.
"We'd like to be a little bit more clinical and there’s bits we need to work on, but so early into the journey, there’s loads of positives to take out of that performance, so we definitely look at what we can be better at, but keep building into next week. We said that in the huddle at the end of the game, we said that the defensive unit was excellent and when you come up against QPR, as you know they’re going to be up near the top end of the table, you know they’re going to have a lot of the ball, we knew we were going to have to defend and we defended really well.
"It's just that one moment and we felt we could have been a little bit better at. We had one big chance we should have taken, but defensive unity has been superb, so credit to the girls. I think that they’re gelling very well. In the back-line there were three debuts, there were six in the starting line-up and eight altogether, there’s a 16-year-old getting her first minutes, so loads of positives and we’re only going to get better.”
Prior to the game, the Hatters announced the addition of four new players, with Macey Herd, Mya Banks, Georgia Wood and Keira Harris all on board. A club statement said: “We’re delighted to confirm the signing of Macey Herd. The central midfielder joins us with valuable experience across both academy and senior women’s football, having progressed through environments including Arsenal Women’s U21s, MK Dons Women and, most recently, Real Bedford Women.
“Macey brings experience, energy and quality to our midfield as we prepare for the season ahead. Mya is a young and dynamic full-back who joins us from the MK Dons Youth Academy. Mya has also been involved with England Talent Identification groups, showcasing her potential at the highest level. With plenty of ability and ambition, Mya is ready to take the next step into senior football.
“Left-footed winger Georgia Wood joins from Brentford. Georgia brings leadership, an exceptional work rate and a proven eye for goal, making her a valuable addition to the squad. Forward Keira Harris joins from Barry Town. Keira arrives with an impressive record, having been named Genero Adran South Young Player of the Season. A quick and exciting attacking threat with a keen eye for goal, she adds plenty of pace and firepower to our forward line.”
Luton also confirmed a number of players are staying put, Taylor O’Leary, Sasha Smith, Katie Chellenbron, Nicole Melling, Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Billie Brooks. Finally, the Hatters, who host Chatham Town this Sunday, announced Clare Howe has joined as an assistant coach.