Belles manager Andy Butler insists his squad will bounce back stronger from Tuesday’s defeat at leaders Lincoln City.
The Imps’ victory saw them move to the top of the FAWNL Midlands Division One table, and the Belles boss hopes to turn the frustration of defeat into a positive learning experience.
He said: “There’s a lot to look back and reflect on, we knew they were a direct and high pressing side who did the basics better than we did. But we are a learning group and sometimes these knockbacks make you stronger.
“We had a few knocks on Sunday as well and some of the girls played through the pain barrier. We were just off it a bit in terms of what we are about, they did to us what we’ve done to others with the pressing - we were a little bit lacking in our pressing.
“One game does not define the season for us. It’s a knock back but sometimes they make you stronger. We’ll regroup, we win together and lose together and will put right what went wrong.”
Butler was impressed with the endeavour of Lily Harrison, Chloe Dean and Debbie Barry who all came off the bench in the second period.
He added: “The players who came on did well. Young Lily came on and really put herself about.
“It’s what I keep saying to all the subs - if you come on show me why you deserve a chance and it gives me food for thought. Nick Buxton and I will look at that now for the game on Sunday which will be tough again against another good side.”