Following on from Norwich City Women’s 4-3 win over QPR last week, canaries.co.uk caught up with head coach Shaun Howes for match reaction, an injury update and to look ahead to this weekend against league-leaders Hashtag United.
We returned to winning ways on Sunday against QPR. How did it feel after the game?
It was nice to get the result our performance deserved. As a squad we have done really well since the New Year and our last four games have been among our strongest performances, we just haven’t got the results they probably deserved. So, to get the three points was testament to the efforts everyone has put in.
QPR are a strong side and you said yourself it would be a challenge. Were you happy with the overall performance?
I really like QPR as a team, they have some really good players and try to play the right way, and every game we have played against them has been a really tough game. I think the two performances against them this season show just how far we have come as a club.
They beat us twice last season so to do the double over them this season, in the manner we did is really pleasing and the players should be really proud of themselves.
With Bryony out injured, Jess Harper has taken up the goalkeeper position in her absence. How has she looked in goal?
We are all so proud of Jess, not only for stepping up but also her performances in the three games she has played in goal. I think she has exceeded all of our expectations and really impressed us.
It is not an ideal situation, however Jess does have a good background having been a goalkeeper until she was 12 or 13, so when we knew Bryony would be out for a while, we knew we had someone we could rely on. Whatever happens in the games she plays in goal we are all so appreciative of her and so proud and happy to have her in our squad.
Is there any update on squad injuries?
A few, Rebecca Russell is having a phased return back to playing competitively which is a huge boost for the squad, as she brings such great qualities and is a player we have missed since her injury.
Naomi Cooper had a shoulder operation before Christmas and we are hoping she will soon be able to return to contact training soon. Bryony is progressing well and showing positive signs, however we are conscious that we can’t rush her back as she has a really bright future ahead of her so we need to make sure she is fully match ready before she plays again.
Ella Gambell is back to light training and will hopefully be ready for selection soon, which is great as she is a really exciting prospect and a player I am looking forward to seeing grow and progress. Holly Williams suffered concussion last week playing for her college team so will be out for a couple of weeks.
I think the best injury news is that Millie has had good news and now has a return to play plan. She has been out since September and there were real concerns the injury was worse than anticipated but the experts are now confident that with some good rehab and hard work she will be ready to get back playing soon. She is so important to this club and we all can’t wait to see her back in the Norwich shirt playing
Next up, we have the league leaders Hashtag United who haven’t really faltered all season. How do we prepare for such a strong side?
We will prepare like we do for every game, we will plan to play to our strengths whilst being wary of theirs. We know the threats Hashtag will have, but we are also confident in our own abilities and the threats we will give them. They are top of the league and unbeaten for a reason so we will definitely respect them, but we won’t fear them.
Hopefully the prospect of a really good game will bring lots of people to The Nest on Sunday and the energy and positivity the supporters always give the girls will be the defining factor and help us gain a positive performance and result, however tough it will be.