ReactionLeanne Kiernan reflects on 'amazing' feeling of scoring v West Ham

The Republic of Ireland striker made the most of her opportunity in the starting XI by netting the opener in the Barclays Women's Super League contest shortly before half-time.

For Kiernan, it was a reward for her patience and perseverance through challenging spells due to long-term injury.

• Buy your tickets for LFC Women matches here

Speaking after the West Ham victory, the No.9 said: "It's an ideal weekend [and] on Paddy's weekend too! I can't complain at all.

"I worked for the last five months to get back into the starting XI. It's been amazing, I've really enjoyed it. My family is up in the crowd there, so it was really nice to celebrate with them.

"I dreamt of a start like this, so I'll take it for sure. It's nice playing my old club and getting the win."

Kiernan was joined on the scoresheet by Missy Bo Kearns and Sophie Roman Haug in the second half at Prenton Park.

She said: "Bo's was a great finish and Sophie's at the back post, I don't know how she got her leg up that high!

"It's been brilliant and really nice to link up with Sophie on the pitch. She's a great player and very different to what I can do, so it's been really complementary. I like it."

The result keeps Liverpool level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United in the WSL table, with six fixtures remaining in the campaign.

Kiernan believes the squad are capable of being successful in the pursuit of a top-four finish.

"We want to compete with these teams and I don't see why not," she stated. "We've got to just keep our heads down, keep doing everything we can off the pitch, on the pitch and on the training pitch. I don't see why not."

Focusing on the next challenge in their way, the Reds now look towards this Sunday's Merseyside derby.

Matt Beard's side face their local rivals at Goodison Park in a 1pm GMT kick-off.

Kiernan said: "I've never played in the derby since coming to Liverpool, [not] including the Conti Cup games. I'm really excited for it, I can't wait, just to get all the Reds fans out there. Let's turn this city red again!"