Bolton Wanderers Women will learn lots from AFC Fylde defeat

Bolton were beaten 5-0 by a strong side who are the current favourites to win the league, sitting in second place with three games in hand on leaders Mancunian Unity.

“A really tough game for us. There were a lot of disappointed players in the changing room and staff as well,” Cunniff told the club.

“We prepped the team as best as we could in the week but it just wasn’t enough. Fylde are a very good team and there was lots of frustration because we know that we are better than what we showed. But credit to Fylde, they played very well.”

He added: “We will learn a lot from it. I think you always learn more from losses than wins. We want to be competing against better teams and Fylde have shown that’s the level we want to get to, and we will get there.

“It takes a little bit of time when we have a young squad, but I think we are seeing progression throughout the season. We will keep going.”

New signing Cerys Neil came straight into the squad following her move from Wythenshawe earlier in the week.

Neil came off the bench for the second half, and Cunniff is excited about what she will bring to the team for the rest of the season.

“Cerys is duel signed with Everton, she came in and fitted in straight away into the training set-up,” he explained.

“She has shown a lot of potential already and we are excited to see what she can bring to the team.

“It was a really good performance in terms of not knowing the squad that well and against a very good side like Fylde, she did very well.”

Bolton are back in league action this weekend against Crewe, who are a point in the table but with three more games under their belts at this stage.

“We head into the week fully focused for Crewe,” the head coach insisted. “We know they are a difficult side as well.

“But we go back into league action hoping to win every game like we always do. Lots to work on this week and hopefully we can get the three points.”