BRAD Banks and his Southern Branch FC first grade women's side suffered a tough opening-round loss to Sutherland Shire FA on Sunday.
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Despite the match being played at South Nowra's Ison Park, Banks' side went down 3-nil to their National Premier League Two rivals.
The Shire, who reached the finals in 2019, scored all their goals in the first half.
The first was an unfortunate own-goal off Southern Branch's Luella Boulton, before Jordan Baker and off-season recruit Stevie Donougher also found the back of the net for the Shire.
"Most coaches would be disappointed to be 3-nil down at half-time but the way we were playing and working together showed this group will improve over the season," coach Banks said.
"I was impressed with the fact the players stuck to the pre-game instructions and this led to a nil-all second half, highlighting the effort we put in.
"I particularly liked the way we didn't go into our shell and continued to work hard, constantly frustrating Sutherland with our attacking raids.
"The backline played a high line and repelled raid after raid.
"But the second and third goals were scored from our mistakes and a few organisational mishaps - they are definitely fixable."
In other Southern Branch news, Luke Nolan's under 17s side claimed their first point of the modified season - drawing one-all with Sutherland.
This draw follows three straight losses for Nolan's side.
Wayne Payton's under 15 girls Southern Branch side also shared the spoils with the Shire (1-all) - which moves them to 0-1-3 on the season.
The final game at Ison Park on Sunday saw Ian Rankin's under 14 Southern girls lose 2-1 to Sutherland - seeing them fall to their fourth straight defeat.
All four Southern teams will again be at Ison Park on Sunday, as they host the Gladesville Ravens.
First up will be the under 14s at 8.30am, followed by the under 15s at 9.55am, under 17s at 11.25am and first grade at 1.05pm.
"Considering we hadn't played a competitive match in a couple of months, there were plenty of positives to take from it [Sutherland fixture] into this weekend against Gladesville," Banks said.
"At training this week, we will be working on our attacking structure, positive possession and positioning.
"We are very excited about the Gladesville game, with the goal to continue our improvement across the board."