ReactionMatt Beard on LFC Women 2-0 Aston Villa, start to the season, Lawley's return and more

The Reds made it two wins from two in the 2023-24 Barclays Women's Super League thanks to goals from Marie Höbinger and Natasha Flint at Prenton Park.

Höbinger opened her account for the club by netting a stunning curler in the first half, before Flint wrapped up the points in the 77th minute when she converted from the returning Melissa Lawley's run and pass.

Read on for Beard's post-match reaction with Sky Sports...

• Get tickets for LFC Women v Everton Women at Anfield here - just £1 for U18s

On how this win compares to last weekend's at Arsenal Women..

Listen, all wins are important. We're just pleased that we've managed to get another three points today after last week's performance.

On where improvements can be made...

I just think there are a few little moments where we need to be a little bit smarter. It's just little things. If you look at Emma's clearance on the line, Gemma could have put it out for a throw. Just eliminate some of the risks that we don't need to put ourselves in. Listen, for the most part I was really pleased. I'm a bit concerned about the amount of time that's being added on. We've played two games now and played nearly 115 minutes. It needs to be looked at.

On whether moving to the AXA Melwood Training Centre has helped with the start to the season...

The facility's fantastic. The nutrition is second to none at Melwood, the recovery stuff's second to none as well. So I think that helps from a preparation and recovery point of view. We're very lucky.

On Lawley's return...

It's great for Mel. She's worked incredibly hard to get back on the pitch. The assist was fantastic. Really, really pleased for her. She's a key player for us.

On the players recruited this summer...

What we wanted to do with the recruitment was create competition for places. I think if you look at how Marie's performed in the first two games... we just wanted to make sure that we've got squad depth. Last year we had a lot of injuries and it had an impact on us. Whereas I think this year, if you look at the players I've got missing, to try to get them into this team at the moment is going to be tough. That's what we wanted to try to create – competition for places, so you have to earn the right to play week in, week out.

On the team's targets for the season...

We just want to improve on last year. I know that we've got a good group here. We have ambitions obviously to try to break into that top five. We've had a fantastic start but we've got to keep our feet on the ground.

• Get tickets for LFC Women v Everton Women at Anfield here - just £1 for U18s