'Blip'

After 4 games of improved performances this weekend saw the 'blip'. After consistent improvement and 4 games where the Lady Reds have been competitive, this weekend saw us produce our poorest performance of the season.

We could make excuses, like travelling in on the day or playing on astroturf for the first time or having players out through injury (with Ruth Wallace joining Ang Fimmano) but the fact is none of those things can and should be used as an excuse for our poor display. Melbourne were a good side and played a clever brand of football that suited the slick surface. We on the other hand had an off day which was to some extent to be expected after the huge lift in training and physical demands placed upon the girls over the last couple of months.

We lacked the defensive shape and cohesion that we showed against Brisbane and we lacked the composure in possession that we showed in Perth. This was just one of those days, which in a 10 game season, we can't really afford.

A couple of positives still came from the game with Sian McLaren returning from a year long injury and making a couple of excellent saves and youngsters Grace Henry and Ebony Philcox showing the confidence to play under pressure and retain possession. Donna Cockayne also came off the bench and showed signs of her 'old self' with the confidence to use her pace and power to get at her fullback.

Next weekend will see Sydney visit Hindmarsh for the live television game. This is another huge game for Adelaide and will require a much improved performance from The Lady Reds. The response at training tonight was very positive and the intensity rose again with the team eager to put on a show for the home crowd after the great support we received against Brisbane last week.