Proud Watford Ladies boss John Salomon insists he saw all the courage and resilience he could ask for as his side returned from their summer break to lose 5-0 at Doncaster Rovers Belles on Saturday.

The Lady Hornets were looking for a positive outcome as the second half of the Women’s Super League 2 campaign got underway, after ending the first chunk of the season with defeat at Everton Ladies prior to the Women’s World Cup.

Trailing 4-0 at half-time in Yorkshire was not what Salomon and co. had in mind and defeat leaves Watford bottom of the table with four points – and just one league win – from their first ten fixtures.

Efforts before the interval from Sue Smith, Jade Lorton-Radburn and Courtney Sweetman had taken the game out of Watford’s hands.

Nevertheless, Salomon was pleased with the spirited showing of his side in the second period as a much-improved Watford conceded only once more.

He said: “To go in 4-0 down at half-time is hard for those girls; a group of young players who are new to this level. For them to show that courage in the second half and that resilience was all I could ask from them.

“I’m proud of that because there is a point there where it goes to four where you think this could be a tough day at the office – they stood up second half and were counted.”

This is just Watford’s second season in the Women’s Super League and Salomon is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing the Hornets when they pit their wits against sides such as Doncaster.

He explained: “It is disappointing but the girls are positive, they have shown a lot of good things for a young side. There were new players in the team for the first time making their debuts.

“We always knew it was going to be tough today, we have to take the positives and move forwards.

“We know where we are at as a club, we know what our limits are. When we come to places like this and play against these kind of teams, you know you have got to work hard and if you lose your focus for a split second, they will punish you.”

And the Hornets boss has been busy during the mid-season break, making no fewer than five signings while as three players have departed the club.

Former Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Trippoli Whitney arrives to replace the outgoing Cherie Rowlands, whilst former Stevenage and Cambridge defender Vicky Neal, 25, made her debut against Doncaster.

Midfielder Jordan Littleboy, 17, also debuted at the Keepmoat Stadium and has previously come through Watford’s Centre of Excellence.

Sophie Jones joins as a development player from the Essex Centre of Excellence and Hannah Samuels moves from London Bees.

Previously the longest-serving player at the club, Katie Natkiel has left after 65 league appearances for Watford. Right-back Yasmin Poole, who has made just one appearance, has also departed.