Chloe Chivers | We showed our fighting mentality
Swansea City Women midfielder Chloe Chivers believes the Swans can take plenty of positives from the character they showed despite suffering a late 4-3 defeat to The New Saints at Park Hall.
The Swans found themselves two goals down during the first half through Fiona Barry and Abbie Iddenden, but Chivers gave Yzzy Taylor’s side a lifeline shortly before the break with a superb long-range strike.
Swansea then produced a stunning turnaround after half-time, with Aimee Deacon equalising before Chivers put the Swans ahead for the first time with another outstanding free-kick.
The hosts would ultimately have the final say, with Iddenden restoring parity just minutes later, before Barry struck in the final minute to secure all three points for TNS.
Despite the disappointment of the result, Chivers felt Swansea showed the character and resilience that has been a feature of their start to the campaign.
“To go two goals down is never what we wanted, but the turnaround to go 3-2 in front was massive for us. I think we did really well and, if I’m honest, deserved to get more from the game.
“We didn’t have a great start, but we grew into the game and the goal came at the perfect time just before half-time to settle us down.
“To then come out in the second half fighting and carry on that momentum was really positive as well." She said.
“We know how good a team we are and what we’re capable of as a squad, which is what Yzzy said to us at half-time. We just had to go out and show it, which I think we did.
“We showed as a group that we’re resilient and that we’ve got that fighting mentality. When we’re behind in games, we have each other’s backs and we keep pushing.”
The midfielder played a major role in the comeback herself, scoring twice to take her tally to three goals for the campaign and also providing the assist for Deacon’s equaliser.
Having gone through a quieter spell in front of goal by her own standards, Chivers was delighted to get back on the scoresheet at a ground where she has enjoyed some memorable moments in recent seasons.
“I’ve had a disappointing couple of weeks by my standards in terms of a lack of goals and assists, so to be able to get two today and an assist was really pleasing.
“But I think the first goal, in terms of the timing, helped the team believe we were still in the game.
“I’ve had some good times at Park Hall, but it was good to get back on the scoresheet and boost my confidence.”
The result brought Swansea’s perfect start to an end, but Chivers insists the squad will use the experience as they look to respond next weekend.
“We said at the end that we’re not going to win every game. We win together and we lose together, so we’ll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and hopefully start a new winning streak next week.”