Yzzy Taylor | If we keep creating chances, the goals will follow

Swansea City Women head coach Yzzy Taylor insists her side’s finishing touch will return if they continue to create chances, despite the frustration of a 1-0 defeat to The New Saints at the Swansea.com Stadium in the Genero Adran Premier.

A second-half finish from Lexie Harrison proved enough to secure all three points for the Saints, although the Swans created a number of chances — particularly in the first half — that could have seen them take a comfortable lead.

The result means Swansea have now lost their last four league matches, scoring just three goals — having previously netted 53 times in 15 league fixtures.

It also ensured there was no winning send-off on a special occasion for Swans stalwarts Stacey John and Steph Turner, with both players playing their final home games for the club after announcing they will retire at the end of the season.

Taylor admitted it is frustrating not to turn chances into results, but she would be far more concerned if her side would not creating opportunities.

“I thought we created a lot of opportunities in the first half and played well, but in the second half our standards slipped from the level we’ve set ourselves this season, and we were punished again for not taking those chances," said the Swans boss.

“We’ve been excellent going forward all season and scored a lot of goals, so it’s frustrating when we’re not converting opportunities. But the positives are that we’re still creating them. I’m confident we’ll get there, and we’ll review how we can tailor our game plan to be that bit more effective.

“It was a game between two teams with different approaches. I thought we nullified their threat for large parts of the game, but we’ll go back and look at the goal to see where we can improve.

“I can stand here immensely proud of this team and proud to be the head coach of this football club. There are areas we need to build on for next season, but we can be really pleased with where we are. 

"We’ve got a cup final to look forward to against Cardiff next month, but first our focus is on our final league game at Wrexham. There’s a lot to look forward to, but also plenty of hard work ahead.”

Taylor also paid tribute to Turner and John, acknowledging them as fantastic role models for players across the club, and having played a significant role in the development of the women’s game in Wales throughout their careers.

“When you think of Stacey John, you think of Swansea City. I want to thank her not just for what she has contributed to this club, but to the women’s game in Wales," said Taylor.

"She has been a benchmark forward, someone the players in our squad and younger age groups look up to, and she will be hugely missed. Hopefully she continues her journey in football.

“I’ve worked with Steph for a long time, and when you think about experience in this league, she has it in abundance. She has been superb to have around the squad — an experienced voice who is always honest in how she sees things and how she wants the club to progress. I’ve been honoured to work with her over the past 14 years.

“They’ve both been huge players for this football club, and I want to say a big thank you for how they have welcomed me into this environment over the past couple of years.”