Tilly Fantom was proud of the Imps’ second-half defensive efforts despite a 2-0 defeat at Boldmere St Michaels.

The centre-back came onto the pitch after 30 minutes and inspired an improved performance against the Mikes with City unfortunate not to get back into the game in the second half.

Fantom said: “We were getting through the backline a lot more in the second half but we couldn’t quite pull off the last ball, but we couldn’t have asked for much more after half-time. 

“We got the ball down on the floor and were playing nicely but it is what it is.

“I was trying to keep the back-line as tight as possible, we did all we could at the back and I’m proud of the girls in defence.”

Fantom was keen to take the positives from a match against high-flying opposition, and hopes her side can take that into their upcoming games.

She added: “You’ve got to take it as a positive. They’re top of the league, it’s always hard to come here and play against them - they’re a good team. 

“They’ve got a solid backline and they’re always good up front so you’ve got to take some positives out of it.”