LFC WomenMatt Beard on West Ham cup defeat, an impressive debut and brilliant Faye Kirby
The Reds created some good opportunities on the night and were also denied what they felt was a legitimate goal when Katie Stengel’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Iceland star Dagny Brynjarsdottir headed the only goal of the game three minutes from time as Paul Konchesky’s team sealed a place in the semi-finals.
To make matters worse for LFC Women, right at the end of injury time top scorer Stengel had to leave the field with an injury to her jaw.
Read on as Beard reflects on a night of frustration for his side…
On his overall reflections…
I thought we were the better team. But I keep saying it, we created numerous chances and we didn’t take them. We got into some really good goalscoring positions but then we’ve had an extra touch and not pulled the trigger. It’s just frustrating. Our disallowed goal should have stood but I can’t change it and it is what is. The disappointing thing was the final third for us. We wanted to progress tonight, and we could have and should have. It was just one moment when we switched off after a negative pass and we allowed Brynjarsdottir to get in between our two centre-backs and we got punished. That’s the difference at this top level.
On injury concerns…
Shanice van de Sanden got injured in the warm-up at Chelsea on Sunday when she slipped and got a little twinge in her knee, so that is super frustrating. She tried to train on Tuesday but broke down again. Katie will need an X-ray on her jaw, so it’s not looking good and that will be a massive blow to us if that’s the case. We are hoping it’s just a bruise but we’ll have to wait and see.
On an impressive debut for Fuka Nagano…
I thought Fuka was excellent on her debut. We’ve missed a player like that and I’m delighted that she’s here now, and she is going to be a massive help for us. She reads the game so well, steps in, quick, but just her vision and the way she goes forward. I thought Sofie Lundgaard came on and had an impact which was positive.
On his change to a back four against the Hammers…
The 3-4-3 system served us well for a large period of time. We beat West Ham in the league with that system before Christmas and we also got points away at Brighton and Reading. It just gives me more options now. Sofie can play in the holding role and as a No.8 or No.10. So with her and Fuka, we’ve got numerous options.
On an impressive display by 18-year-old stopper Faye Kirby…
She is a fantastic kid and she is going to be a fantastic goalkeeper. We’ve watched her grow so much in such a short space of time. She deserved this opportunity because in training she has been sensational. On the ball she has got a calming influence but she is also a fantastic shot-stopper as well, as we saw [against West Ham].