Pompey Women's perfect start to life at Westleigh Park - but boss Sadler knows tougher tests are to come

Jay Sadler praised his Pompey Women for continuing their perfect start to life at Westleigh Park.
Ava Rowbotham, left, grabbed her first Pompey goal. Picture by Dave HainesAva Rowbotham, left, grabbed her first Pompey goal. Picture by Dave Haines
Ava Rowbotham, left, grabbed her first Pompey goal. Picture by Dave Haines

But the Blues boss acknowledged tougher tests are to come this season after they ran out 3-0 victors against National League Southern Premier Division bottom side Hounslow.

Becki Bath continued her hot scoring streak, grabbing a double while Ava Rowbotham's fine strike was her first for the club.

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The start to life on the Hawks' 3G surface could not have gone much better for Pompey and Sadler wants his team to turn it into a fortress.

The Blues boss is even targeting maximum points at their new home venue this season.

But after successive wins over Plymouth and Hounslow - second bottom and bottom respectively - Sadler is not getting too carried away by his side's start at Westleigh Park.

‘We’ve had a lot of positive experiences in the new venue and we’re a good footballing team on artificial grass so it suits our game really to try to make it a bit of a fortress which we’ve done in the past two games,' he said.

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‘With no disrespect to the two teams we’ve played there, Plymouth were second from bottom and Hounslow bottom.

‘They’re two teams that are struggling and it was down to us to bring the intensity, quality, get the clean sheet and the wins.

'There are going to be tougher opposition down to face but it’s always nice to get some confidence in a new ground early on.'

Striker Becki Bath has been in scintillating form in front of goal to start the season.

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She's netted nine times in six games as the Blues find themselves fourth in the table at present.

And Sadler feels Bath is rightfully taking the plaudits after a flying start to the season in front of goal.

‘We all know the quality that Becki possesses, she’s a very, very good player,' added Sadler.

‘We always knew the girls were going to come for her, it’s credit to her for getting in the right positions.

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‘She’s making more runs into the box now which is something we highlighted over the off season we wanted to add to her game.

‘Collectively, as a team, we’re scoring goals but Becki is rightfully taking the plaudits with her nine so far.’

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