Stand-in Southern United coach Tom Stevens was far from disappointed despite his side losing 5-2 to Canterbury United in its season opening game in Christchurch yesterday.
Canterbury reached the final last season and, along with Northern Football, shapes as one of the two best sides in the women’s league.
Southern is more a work in progress and showed glimpses of its potential.
Winger Renee Bacon opened the scoring in the third minute and knocked in a consolation deep in injury time.
They were the obvious highlights, but Stevens felt the first half, in particular, was very competitive.
Canterbury led 2-1 at the break but Southern adopted an attacking game plan and pressed Canterbury into an early mistake.
"It was a really competitive first half and we were pleased with how we played," Stevens said.
"We talked about taking the game to them and we did that. We kind of put them off their stride. It was encouraging to get the first goal as well."
Mikayla Gray stripped Canterbury of possession and delivered in a nice cross, which Bacon slotted past the keeper.
Stung into action, Canterbury replied with two before the break and dominated during periods in the second half, putting another three into the net.
Lily Bray bagged a double and Whitney Hepburn, Annalie Longo and Britneylee Nicholson also got on the score sheet.
"They had a lot of possession and we did a lot of defending. But I thought we looked quite dangerous on the counterattack and created a couple of chances," Stevens said.
Southern scored last, when Holly Johnstone delivered a lovely through ball, Bacon ran on to it and threaded it past the advancing keeper.
Defender and captain Annabel Gilchrist had a strong game in the middle of the park for Southern.
Fellow defender Kate Guildford put in a top effort marking the talented Bray, and Johnstone was influential in the midfield.
"And obviously Bacon with her two goals. That was pretty pleasing."
Southern’s next match is against Northern at Tahuna Park on Saturday.
