Ipswich Town Women manager Joe Sheehan insists last night's 3-2 defeat at Hashtag United 'won't define our season'.
The Tractor Girls, who had won their opening two FA WNL Southern Premier Division games, know there can be little room for error this season if they are to claim the title and promotion to the second-tier.
"It was a really difficult start," said Sheehan, whose side went behind after just three minutes.
"I think the response to the goal was probably the most disappointing thing - there was a feeling of frustration which wasn't helpful when we were trying to get ourselves settled into the game."
The Tractor Girls conceded again, but came out looking a far better side in the second half.
Joe Sheehan, pictured at full-time at Hashtag (Image: Ross Halls)
"Once we had a bit of a reset, made a change, I thought we started the second half a lot brighter and got an early goal ourselves which is what we wanted," said Sheehan.
"We found a bit of flow in the game but then suffered two significant injuries, which can't be helped, and we didn't benefit from those stoppages.
"We're pushing for an equaliser and then we concede a third. We just gave ourselves a bit too much work to do in the end. It was one of those nights.
"We weren't at our best, certainly in attacking areas. Some finer detail isn't quite there and we didn't have the end product needed to finish chances.
REPORT: Hashtag United Women 3-2 Ipswich Town Women
"We're a young group and we will learn from the experiences. This will hopefully push us forward."
Sheehan added: "It's a quick turnaround now (Town go to MK Dons on Sunday). We move on and reflect on it. Tonight won't define the outcome of this season.
"Sunday won't be an easy game, but we're looking forward to it. It's a long season ahead."
Bonnie Horwood, pictured during the defeat at Hashtag (Image: Ross Halls)
Town skipper Bonnie Horwood, who netted a late penalty consolation, said: "We're really disappointed not to get the three points.
"We know where we've gone wrong in the first half but it's not just individual errors, we've got to be more switched on as a team.
"It's a quick lesson we need to learn from today. We can't afford to have too many more of them, but I thought the fight in the second half was really good.
"We were on top and if we can just be a bit more clinical then we should be fine.
"We will regroup and put this result behind us."
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