Recovering from mistakes is a vital part of football - Leeds United Women captain Catherine Hamill

Though it turned out to be a comfortable 4-0 win in the end, we weren’t happy with our first-half performance during our County Cup tie against Harrogate Town on Sunday.
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We knew that we were capable of winning the game and what we needed to do to improve after the break – it was just a case of finding a way to make it happen.

The opening minutes of the tie were very scrappy. We were winning all the first balls, and then losing the seconds.

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If you make a mistake, it can be quite hard to get back into the game.

I watched Aston Villa against Manchester United last weekend when Emi Martinez dropped the ball to allow Bruno Fernandes to give his team the lead.

It can be tricky to recover your mindset from a moment like that.

You’ll worry about making another one, and you’ll always be aware that opponents will notice, then most likely target you as a weak link of the side – which is what I usually do if I spot someone looking a bit shaky on the opposition side.

Sandra Soares-Martins scored a brace to help Leeds United claim a 4-0 County Cup win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.Sandra Soares-Martins scored a brace to help Leeds United claim a 4-0 County Cup win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.
Sandra Soares-Martins scored a brace to help Leeds United claim a 4-0 County Cup win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.

Nobody likes letting their team-mates down.

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After years of playing football, I’ve learned not to take it personally if my team-mates shout at me on the pitch.

It’s passion – we all want to win.

It’s just a case of checking in after the final whistle, then it’s usually not a big deal.

Leeds United midfielder Kirstie Hunt in action against Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.Leeds United midfielder Kirstie Hunt in action against Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.
Leeds United midfielder Kirstie Hunt in action against Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.

I have been trying to help the children who I coach to understand this.

I’ll get kids coming up to me in lessons and saying ‘so-and-so’s said this to me’, and I normally explain that it’s not meant and that people can get caught up in the heat of the moment. Fortunately, our half-time chat on Sunday was positive and productive.

We were 2-0 up and we wanted to protect that lead.

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Even better, we managed to score straight from kick-off in the second half then, as the game goes on, it’s making sure the team knows how to manage it. We take our time when we are leading – throw ins, free-kicks, goal kicks!

Bridie Hannon and Kirstie Hunt leap to clear the ball during Leeds United's 4-0 win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.Bridie Hannon and Kirstie Hunt leap to clear the ball during Leeds United's 4-0 win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.
Bridie Hannon and Kirstie Hunt leap to clear the ball during Leeds United's 4-0 win over Harrogate Town. Pic: LUFC.

Anything to run the clock down and we make sure that there are bodies back when we go on the attack so we’re not exposed.

It helps that our back line is protected by Kirstie Hunt, who plays as a defensive midfielder. She was excellent on Sunday, as she always is.

You don’t need to tell her when to cover as she has great awareness of her positioning, no matter where she is on the pitch.

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I always admire midfielders – it’s very versatile to be able to defend well and score goals – Hunt has bagged a few last-minute winners for us before. She’s a strong player, and she wins every header.

It makes me and Bridie Hannon – who plays centre-back alongside me – feel safe, having her around!

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