Reaction'Really pleased' - Matt Beard on cup win at Newcastle, Zara Shaw goal and rotation

The Reds were in a clinical mood as they claimed a 6-1 victory at Championship side Newcastle United in the Women’s League Cup.

An outstanding opener from teenager Zara Shaw was followed by goals from Mia Enderby (two), Olivia Smith, Cornelia Kapocs and substitute Leanne Kiernan.

“I thought we started the game really well, attacking intent. Could have scored with the first attacking phase. Really pleased,” manager Beard told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.

“I’m pleased for the front players, who have all got a goal today. Zara Shaw has opened her account and what a finish it was as well.

“We’ve been talking a lot about: if it opens up, getting the strikes off. And I think today we’ve got ourselves in good positions and made the right choices in the final third.

“So, yeah, really pleased.”

• Read our match report here

The display and result was a positive response from Beard’s team following back-to-back defeats without scoring against Chelsea and Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

A pause for international football now follows, with Liverpool back in action when they visit Manchester United on Sunday December 8.

Beard continued: “It was tough conditions today obviously with the wind, and we are not used to playing on an astroturf pitch – but I thought we dealt with that really well.

“From start to finish it was a professional performance. And it also gave us an opportunity to re-look at the 4-3-3.

“And we’ve managed to get minutes into players and rotate as well, which I think is important to protect players going away on international duty that have got some big fixtures coming up.”

• Book your tickets for the WSL clash at Manchester United here