Bristol City Women manager Matt Beard was disappointed with the result against Everton but believes there were plenty of positives to be taken.
Izzy Christiansen scored two goals for the Blues as they beat City 4-0 in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Bottom-side City haven’t recorded a win yet this season but Beard insists there is reason for optimism following his first game in charge.
“I am frustrated with the scoreline but I was pleased with certain aspects of our performance,” Beard explained.
“I am disappointed with the manner of the goals we have given away today; they were preventable, it is frustrating because we did really restrict them to chances.
“We created chances today and with a bit more luck we could get on the end of some of them.
“There are plenty of things we can take from the game. We need to get fitter, but it is a marathon not a sprint.”
It was announced last week that Beard would be taking over from Tanya Oxtoby until the end of the season while she was on maternity leave.
And despite only being part of the club for a few days, the former West Ham boss trusts City will be able to compete with those around them in the table.
Beard added: “It is a big challenge but a challenge get I am looking forward to. I have been impressed with the players and staff’s attitude since I came in.
“I can get in and hammer in what I want from the players now. A lot of the stuff we have already spoken about started to come to fruition towards the back end of today.
“It is about having that belief and confidence. I have seen enough to know that we can challenge the teams that are in and around it with us.
“Everton are flying and we have Chelsea next week who are flying too. Today and next week won’t define where we finish in the table, it is when we play the teams in and around us which will define where we finish.”
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