Head coach Becky Langley was visibly disappointed after her Newcastle United side lost 1-0 to Charlton Athletic in WSL2 at the weekend.
The Magpies fell to a single goal – a 58th-minute penalty from Katie Bradley – and despite hitting the woodwork twice, could not find a way back into the game.
It was their third loss in a row, coming after a 2-1 Subway Women’s League Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, and a 4-2 defeat on the road to Birmingham City.
They currently sit ninth in the WSL2 table, with an opening day win against Forest and a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United to their credit.
And Langley admitted that her team are currently in what she described as “a rut”.
“We’re in a little bit of a rut and we’ve got to keep working through it together,” she told the club’s social media channels.
“I’m sure the group will stick together with it. I think the girls knew they performed well today and that’s where the disappointment stings even further.”
Becky Langley: Newcastle United were the better team
Langley said that it was a tough result to take – adding that she thought her team was better than the visitors.
“I thought we were really dominant,” she said. “We were definitely the better team. The patterns of play, we were able to build our way up the pitch with such confidence, and quality, and technical, tactical moments in the game.
“We got into some really good high and advanced areas and we just haven’t been clinical in those moments.
“I don’t think Charlton created much the whole game. Mistake for the penalty and then we’ve been punished.”
Langley: It’s just so disappointing
Langley pointed out that the team had transferred plenty of their training-ground work on to the matchday pitch, and said she thought they had been extremely unlucky.
“I thought most of the stuff we worked on yesterday in the session really came out in the game today. That’s the bit as a coach I’m pleased, but as a manager, not getting three points or anything from the game is just so disappointing. We have such a good chance at the end and it just doesn’t fall.
“When luck’s not on your side, it probably isn’t going to drop.”
Newcastle United have a chance to get back on track this weekend when they travel to London to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, 5th October.
