Page 14 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.12 2020/21

West Bromwich Albion strode into the Third Round of the
Vitality Women’s FA Cup on Sunday with a 5-2 victory
against Lincoln City.
We talked to defender Ria Elsmore who, as well as
being delighted just to be back playing again, was very
pleased with the team’s performance on the day and is
anticipating a tough tie against Derby County in the next
round this Sunday:
WSS: Well played on Sunday, how pleasing was a
5-2 win overall?
RE: Thank you! It was great to hit the ground running and
win our first competitive game since before Christmas. It
was an important game to us, with our league being
cancelled we want to try and go as far in the FA Cup as
possible. We worked hard in training and produced a great
team performance with five different goalscorers, which is
always good. Also, it was a bit crazy to completely match
WBA men’s winning score [against Chelsea] the day before!
WSS: More than anything, what was it like just to be out playing again?
RE: It was amazing- we have all been missing game day so much, it’s what you look forward
to at the end of your week! No matter how long we’ve had to spend apart as a team, it’s always
like no time has passed when we get back on the pitch. There were many tired legs but also a
lot of smiles and a lot of encouragement. It feels amazing to have the team back together again
and games to look forward to.
WSS: How tough a game was it, given that it was your first match of any kind
for nearly four months?
RE: Yes it was pretty tough, particularly in the second half when players started to get tired
after a strong, high-pressing first half. But we worked very hard in training and we knew
what to expect, because no matter how much work you do outside of football, ‘match fitness’
is always a bit different and hard to achieve without actual games. But I think for the majority
of the game we looked sharp and was on top, winning first balls and tackles.
WSS: It was not an easy task up against a team which had been doing well before
the season was halted, but did you always feel comfortable in front during the
match?
RE: We went into the game knowing that Lincoln were going to be a strong side and neither
team had played in so long so we had to keep our composure and let the ball do the work. It
was important for us to try and get an early goal, to take the pressure of the team and allow
us to relax and get back to playing our football. So we started with a high press and Jade got
the first goal within two minutes, which was a great start for us. From then on I think we
controlled the game really well and just enjoyed it, practicing different patterns of play and
working on our match fitness. A couple of debuts were made as well with Millie and Emma,
two girls who always work hard in training and show their ability and I’m proud that they
got this opportunity.
WSS: Five different players got on the scoresheet for you, were there any
particularly good performances amongst the team on the day?
RE: I think Shannon had a great game, starting slightly out of position at right back she still
managed to get up the pitch to support Nat and become a threat in the opposition half. Moving
Issue no. 12 - 8 April 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk