ReactionMatt Beard on 'positive' Everton victory, Leanne Kiernan injury and more
The Reds claimed three points from their final group outing in the Women’s League Cup with a clinical display against a youthful Blues line-up on Wednesday.
Goals from Jenna Clark and Cornelia Kapocs and a Mia Enderby double earned the win for the hosts at St Helens Stadium.
Read Beard’s full reaction, speaking to Liverpoolfc.com post-match, below…
On the victory and a first win at St Helens...
We needed it! It feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve played here as well obviously with the international break. I’m really pleased. It was an interesting night. It was defence versus attack and I think as the game went on we got a bit braver, especially with the bodies in the box and the changes of movement, which we spoke about at half-time.
We showed them spaces once it [the ball] gets shifted from one side to the other. I was pleased with that. We’ve had enough clear-cut chances tonight to score at least two or three more or maybe even more. I said after the game we just need to make sure we convert those chances. It was a positive night. It gave us an opportunity to work on when you are playing up against teams like Everton, who sat in a lot.
On a first goal coming from a set-piece and a Ceri Holland delivery...
We’ve got numerous people who could take them. Taylor [Hinds]’ delivery at the end there with the inswingers as well. I’m pleased for Jenna to get the goal. I said to them I would’ve preferred more in open play rather than set-plays. We know we’re dangerous because we’re a big side, especially with Ceri’s header and Kappy [Kapocs] had one in the first half I think too. There were a few other times where we could’ve shot and we didn’t. It’s pleasing overall.
On his forwards getting on the scoresheet...
I thought Fuka [Nagano]’s one was going to go in as well! That would’ve been her first goal. We’ve created plenty of opportunities tonight. We scored four goals tonight and six against Newcastle so we know we can do it and know we can create the opportunities. I said before the game to the players that yes, it’s been tough, it looks like we’ve lost Leanne [Kiernan] now as well, but we can’t dwell on the past. We can only affect what goes on now.
I can’t change what happened against Manchester United. It obviously hurt. We just have to make sure we carry on with that mindset. Yes, we can learn and review it, but we can’t change it. The fact is that we’ve got Arsenal on Sunday and we have to make sure we have that mindset again.
On Kiernan’s forced substitution and injury...
It looks like ligament damage. Thankfully it’s not the same injury as before. She’s going to go for a scan and we’ll see where it is.