Birmingham City Women manager Carla Ward praised the resilience of her players after her side rescued a last-gasp draw with Aston Villa in the Women's Super League.
Veatkiri Sarri's 96th minute free kick snuck in at the far post to give Blues the point, much to the delight of Ward. The Manager of the Season nominee enjoyed a beer during her post-match press conference and was full of praise for her team.
- Saved themselves
Ward admitted she was seconds from grilling her players at full time saying she was "teeing up a very interesting team talk, but this group just doesn't want to roll over". She also told the press that Villa, who led for well over an hour, "were the better team for large parts" and that Blues "were so poor tonight. We didn't look after the ball and we were second best".
Sarri's dramatic leveller was not the first time Blues found an injury time goal to save them from defeat. Arsenal loanee Ruby Mace also bagged a 94th minute equaliser against West Ham in March. The Blues boss said that "this just shows that this group has character, desire, everything you need."
- Bold defiance
The Birmingham manager also defiantly hit back at those who underestimate her team following their latest surprise result.
Ward declared that "nobody gives us a chance but the squad do, I do and the staff do", while also saying this fighting spirit has got them through so much this season. She thanked her squad by saying "this is why I love working with these guys. They just don't give up, they don't want to roll over."
Her fine work with Blues this season has seen Ward linked with the soon-to-be-vacant Arsenal job, but she clearly has a strong connection with her current squad and wants to remain working with them. She now has the task of preparing her side for a trip up north to Manchester City for their next game.