Ellie Lake | We need to regroup and bounce back

Swansea City Women defender Ellie Lake believes the Swans can respond positively to their heavy defeat against Wrexham, drawing on last season’s experience against the north Wales side as they look to bounce back.

The reigning champions proved clinical at the ThermaGlaze Ground, with hat-tricks from Faye Knox and Katie Barker, alongside goals from Lili Mai Jones and Mikayla Wildgoose, handing the Swans their first home defeat of the season and their first at their new home.

Despite the scoreline, Swansea had opportunities to take the lead early on, but were unable to convert their chances.

Lake believes the Swans paid the price for missed chances but admits they must improve defensively, particularly when defending set pieces, with Wrexham scoring several goals from such situations.

“We had chances in both the first and second halves. I think the difference was that they took theirs and we didn't take ours," she said.

“We conceded a lot of set-pieces, which they then took advantage of, so it's something we need to look at and address.

“I don't think we were outclassed. I think they scored from their set-pieces and we didn't defend them well enough.

“We had a similar result against Wrexham last year. We lost heavily at home but then went and beat them on the final day, so we know we can bounce back from this and that's what we need to do again.”

Attention now turns to next Sunday's local derby against Briton Ferry Llansawel, which will mark the Swans' first fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium this season. Lake is looking forward to the occasion as Swansea aim to return to winning ways.

“Briton Ferry being a local derby, and playing at the stadium, will be a nice game for us and something we'll be looking forward to," she added.

“No game is easy in this league, so we need to be ready. We'll regroup and hopefully kick on for the second half of the first phase.

“We've really enjoyed playing at Garden Village so far. The crowds have been really strong, with lots of young kids coming down and supporting us right to the very end.

“Hopefully, we can get a nice crowd down to the stadium next week, with it being our first game there this season, and put on a good show for the fans.”