The clashes presented the first occasion the new-look Blues had played together, as two different starting line-ups competed in a pair of 60-minute games against the Scottish outfit.
In the first match, a goal from Steph Marsh and a brace from newest signing Isobel Christiansen secured a 3-0 win, whilst the second game ended 0-0.
On both occasions, City dominated possession and created the best chances. Cushing was pleased with his side’s efforts during the day, expressing his delight at the progress the Blues are making but admitting that there are still improvements to be made.
“For our first outing, I’m really happy,” he smiled. “All the players were able to get some game time and everything was really positive.
“Fitness-wise, I think we were okay but there’s still some work to do. Everyone managed to get an hour’s play so we’re pleased overall.
“Nobody in particular was exceptional but everyone had a good individual performance and collectively, we played well.
“Today though, we weren’t looking for stand-out performances. We were looking for team performances.
I thought defensively we were compact and hard to beat, but we’d like to press a little higher up going forward.
...Nick Cushing...
“If we’re able to win the ball higher up the pitch, we’ll find ourselves in better areas to attack.”
On Monday, the squad travel to La Manga to take part in a warm-weather training camp, which Cushing revealed the players are really looking forward to.
“We’re all excited about the trip,” he stated. “So far, our training conditions have been played either in the wind or the rain so we can’t wait for the sunny weather!
“Training-wise, it will be more of a lighter week over there. We have a four-week cycle and this week, we’ll be focusing on tactical, attacking work.
“Previously, we’ve worked on our defensive side. We like to build from the back so next week, we’ll be playing in the final third, trying to create goals - that’s something everyone likes!”
First City XI: Bardsley, Houghton (c), Harding, Nightingale, Marsh, Scott, Christiansen, Flint, Duggan, Johnston.
Second City XI: Worrall (c), Lipman, Young, Brougham, Fryer, O’Gara, Shepherd, Fields, Turner, Ward, Flanagan.
