Programme notesNiamh Fahey: Chelsea are a real challenge but let's keep pushing

With three games to go in their Barclays Women's Super League campaign, Matt Beard's side are in fifth spot and three points off fourth-placed Manchester United.

The Reds are back in action this evening when they host title-challenging Chelsea at Prenton Park in a 7pm BST kick-off.

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In her column in the matchday programme, Fahey writes: "The girls want to keep that push on to finish as high up the table as possible.

"It was important that we returned to winning ways quickly in our last game at Bristol City and it was definitely a case of job done.

"It was difficult because we knew Bristol would be fighting for their lives, so to go away from home, get a clean sheet and pick up three points was really pleasing and all the girls were happy to keep that push on to try to finish as high up the table as possible.

"That was our fifth away win in the WSL this season and I think we've been strong on the road this year.

"For whatever reason we weren't able to get an away win last season and that was something that we wanted to improve on this year and so a fifth success on our travels is very encouraging.

"Tonight we have a real challenge on our hands against a Chelsea team who have just missed out on the UEFA Women's Champions League final.

"Of course this is Emma Hayes' last season as their manager and they will be wanting to sign off on a high for her.

"Emma is someone I played under during my spell at Chelsea and her legacy is guaranteed in terms of what she's won in what really has been a period of absolute dominance.

"She's been a phenomenal manager and I think her success and her record speaks for itself. I wish her well in the future.

"When you look at Chelsea's squad depth, they have more than two XIs at international quality and even with key players having injuries, they still have the depth to be able to cope without those big players.

"So as much as they may be a bit fatigued, I think they have the strength in depth to remain fresh and at a really high level, so it's going to be tough for us no matter how thick and fast the games are coming for them so we need to be ready."

Fahey, who must sit out the match due to injury, continued: "Tonight could see a couple more players making milestone appearances for the club, with Taylor Hinds set to play her 100th game and Gemma Bonner her 150th.

"I think these milestones are brilliant and it shows the continuity of people being at the club.

"It's not like the men's game as there tends to be a lot more changes in the women's game with players moving clubs and fewer fixtures, so I think to reach these milestones is a significant occasion for the player and the club.

"It shows that the club's going in the right direction and that everyone wants to be here and part of its success.

"I know that both Gemma and Taylor are so proud to play for Liverpool, so it's even more special and I offer my congratulations to them both."

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