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London City Lionesses head coach Carolina Morace discussed Nicole Douglas' debut and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah's stunning brace with reporters after her side's comeback win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday [24 January].
You can read every word of the Italian's post-match interview below.
After an exciting win for the team, can you summarise your thoughts for our supporters?
First of all, I am happy because many players who don’t always have the opportunity to play a lot of minutes came into the team and performed very well. They understood their roles because the shape of the team was exactly the same and it was a pleasure to see them play well. After we went behind, they reacted in the right way and kept playing our way. I know that will add to our confidence.
In the second-half, Crystal Palace made some [tactical] changes and we responded to them. It was good to see that the players still found each other and built attacks in a certain way. My philosophy isn’t that we always have to play the ball short, sometimes it is smart to play with more verticality. It was a pleasure to watch their performance.
What did you make of Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah's brace?
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It was amazing. When the ball left her foot for the first goal, I knew that the goalkeeper wasn’t going to save it. She did very well and we are happy to have a player like her. I think everybody played very well today.
Dan [Carter] fought until the end despite the fact that she has some physical problems. She always stays on the field for us and we really appreciate her.
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What is your perspective on Nicole Douglas' debut?
Nicole’s debut was positive – we can see that she is a scorer because her movement helped the team to win some meters. I know that she will improve because she doesn’t yet know the team or how we play because she has only been in for two training sessions. We know that she needs to find rhythm because she hasn’t played for several months. It’s really good that we have her here.
Is there anyone else you would like to mention?
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I think that Niamh [Farrelly], Tinaya [Alexander], and Izzy [Groves] – who made a mistake on Sunday – made very good performances. Also, LJ [Lois Joel]. I wouldn’t mention anyone more than the other, they all played well. Georgia [Brougham], Leanne [Cowan]… I’m so happy with the whole team.
Did you know that this is the first time in our history that we are through to the Quarter-Finals of the Conti Cup... that must make you happy!?
[laughs]… Personally, I am happy because it was hard from the start. I am very happy for my players because they [Crystal Palace] are very good and we deserved to win today.
Join Carolina Morace and her players at Princes Park for a historic afternoon on 11 February, as we host Liverpool in the Fifth Round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.