Hannah Dingley spoke following her U18 side’s defeat against Bristol Rovers’ development squad at the Memorial Stadium in the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup. 

Rovers fielded a youthful side, with most of the side being made up of first-year scholars – whilst the hosts fielded an XI largely made up of players who had had first-team exposure. 

“I think we went toe-to-toe with them for large periods”, Hannah explained. 

“We always knew it was going to be tough as a really young side coming here today, but I said to the squad after the game that the experiences that they’ve had here will help them in the long run.

“Ultimately, they’ve played against good quality players today and if you make mistakes then you will be punished, which is a lesson that they’ve learnt today.” 

Dingley’s side would be undone by a clinical showing from the hosts, who capitalized on their opportunities’ throughout. 

“Their quality in the final-third made the difference”, stated Hannah. “The boys played in good areas and built up their play well, but obviously you get more disappointed when you concede and that impacts the boys’ bravery in the game. 

“They worked their socks off though, putting everything into the game and that’s a real positive which we can take away from today.”

Head Coach Rob Edwards travelled down and attended the game, glancing an eye over Rovers’ future at the Memorial Stadium. 

“It’s always great to get Rob down to watch the boys - sometimes it’s difficult with the games programme falling on a Saturday morning and the first-team games in the afternoon on Saturday, so it is difficult to get down and look at the players on a matchday. 

“It’s been a great opportunity for Rob to have a look and a lot of the players have given a good account of themselves which will only help them going forward.”

For many of the players, they were playing against several Bristol Rovers players who have experienced men’s football on loan or as a part of Joey Barton’s first-team squad. 

“We want our boys to gain men’s exposure, we’ve got two out on loan in Harvey (Bunker) and Luke (Hallett), but the majority are first-years, and for a lot of them this is their first steps into men’s football for them. 

“It’s a great learning experience that will only make them better in the long run. They’re not going to feel it now, but it’s good that they’re disappointed, they should be.  

“There are things they could’ve done better 100%, but they were in the game and stayed in the game, so I’m pleased with the efforts of the squad.”