Hunt: ‘We’ve developed a lot, but there’s still plenty more to work on’

Despite ending the calendar year with a frustrating defeat at Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup quarter-final on Sunday, Clare Hunt reflected positively about the progress of the squad during the opening months of the campaign.

It was a strong first-half performance at Leigh Sports Village and we deservedly took the lead just after the quarter-of-an-hour mark when Drew Spence struck a fantastic volley to capitalise on the positive start.

While United once again produced another second-half comeback – Jess Park and Fridolina Rolfo securing the win for the home side – the Australia international was keen to focus on the performance in the first period and how there are plenty of positives to build on once we return in the new year.

“We did really, really well in the first half,” Clare told us, reflecting on the game. “We dominated large aspects of possession and got an early goal, which really helped us. Defensively, I thought we were very solid in that first half, so there are plenty of positives to take from it.

“The second half wasn’t as good as we would have liked. We got caught out in a few moments defensively and they capitalised on those opportunities. That’s frustrating, but there’s still plenty to work on as we move into the new year.”

Asked about what the targets are for the new year, she added: “Moving into the second half of the season, we know exactly what we need to work on. I think we’ve developed a lot over the last six months under Martin. Now it’s about continuing to move forward, realising our potential over the next six months, and hopefully progressing in the league to see where we end up by the end of the season.

“We just need to keep working on that and focus on finding ways to maintain wins in games. When we do have the lead, it’s about controlling possession and minimising chances defensively. It’s given us a lot to work on for the next six months but, overall, it’s been a really positive first six months under Martin.

“Everyone has put their head down and really put the work in. What we’ve developed so far has been great and there’s still plenty more to work on. There’s a lot of potential within this squad.”