Sam Bird believes London Pulse can get back to winning ways against Wasps Netball in front of their home fans at Startford's Copper Box Arena on Monday.

The East Londoners were hoping to topple another of Vitality Netball SuperLeague's 2022 title contenders Saracens Mavericks as they successfully did to Team Bath Netball at double-header season opener in Solihull.

But on this occasion it was not to be as the Mavs, who had talented Newham & Essex Beagles Athletics Club sisters Sasha and Kadeen Corbin on display, posted a 53-51 victory at their Hertfordshire Sports Village base in Hatfield to maintain their 100 per cent record.

The hosts gradually built a sizeable lead and were up 16-8 after the first quarter, leaving Bird's side to play catch up.

"We just started too badly and you can't give out a lead like that," she fumed. "It was really tough coming back from that."

In the last quarter Mavericks, who are currently second to early season table toppers Manchester Thunder, increased their advantage to 13 at 46-33.

But towards the closing stages Sasha McDonald, debutant Alicia Scholes, Tayla Honey and Olivia Tchine all linked up more effectively to see Pulse close the gap and eventually lose by a more respectable two-goal cushion.

"There are positives in terms of how we pulled back," Bird added. "We just gave them too much room. We weren't tight enough and we didn't shut them down well enough. Once Mavs got comfortable they started to showboat a little bit and it was quite frustrating.

"I'm pleased with the changes we've made. We improved the performance and Alicia Scholes, that's her first game for us, did really well and I thought Olivia Tchine our shooter was rock solid again so there's good things to take back."

Wing attack Scholes, 19, daughter of legendary Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes, is a recent signing from hometown club Manchester Thunder and agreed with coach Bird's post-match views but felt Pulse came very close to overcoming the hosts.

"The last quarter was probably of a more positive for us than for them when we were closer," she said.

"It's frustrating when towards the end of the game you know we've could have done it.

"But it just shows we are definitely capable of coming up against these teams and each week I think the belief is definitely growing within the group."

Bird is relishing the return of home supporters for their league games at the Copper Box Arena after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And she is calling out the Pulse Family to attend Monday's big homecoming against Coventry-based Wasps in the fourth round of Vitality Netball SuperLeague 2022 matches.

"We need our fans to get down there and give us the eighth player - that great support we get at the Copper Box," said Bird.

"We're really looking forward to that. We're confident, we've shown we've got the skills to do what we can.

"There are a couple of players who were a bit under par and we've had a couple of players missing. We'll have the full squad back so I think we've got lots to look forward to with Wasps."

Tickets for London Pulse's mouthwatering VNSL clash with Wasps can be purchased at https://londonpulsenetball.ticketline.co.uk or can be purchased in person on the day of the game.