Watford Ladies boss John Salomon believes the goals conceded in the 3-1 defeat against Durham Women are an indicator of where his injury-ravaged side are at the moment.

It was an inexperienced Watford side – missing nine first-team players – who took the lead after 38 seconds of Sunday’s Women’s Super League 2 clash at Broadwater via Anneka Nuttal.

Sarah Wilson levelled for the Wildcats in the third minute before further efforts – separated by just five minutes – from Wilson and Courtney Corrie killed off the Lady Hornets’ threat.

“I think the goals we have conceded today highlight where we are as a team,” said Salomon afterwards. “With nine first teamers currently out injured we are missing their experience and the physicality some of those players bring.

“Today was a good performance, but compliment these youngsters with some of those more experienced players and you strike an excellent balance. We are not able to do that at the moment.”

The Watford boss was upbeat in his assessment of a fifth straight league defeat. He said: “I thought we were in control for large parts of the game but we did not take our chances and have been undone by two set pieces and a counter attack.

“It is disappointing, not just because of the start we made, but this young group played some good football and looked more creative going forward than we have for a few games.”

The Lady Hornets now have back-to-back fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea in the Continental Tyres Cup with a trip to third-placed Yeovil Town sandwiched between.