ReactionRachael Laws on WSL Merseyside derby defeat, Anfield support and responding
Rachael Laws shared an honest assessment of a day of frustration for Liverpool FC Women as they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Everton Women at Anfield.
Having seen Missy Bo Kearns’ early finish disallowed for offside and then hit the bar through Ceri Holland on Sunday, the only goal of the Merseyside derby came from a corner when Megan Finnigan headed home what turned out to be the winner.
It was the Blues’ first victory of the Barclays Women’s Super League season as the Reds’ perfect start came to an end.
Asked to sum up the collective feeling in the dressing room, Laws told Liverpoolfc.com: “Disappointment, especially after our first two games.
“We came to Anfield feeling good and on a bit of a high but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy and [in a] derby form does go out of the window.
“I just felt we weren’t good enough in the final third and it showed. Everton had one or two chances, scored one and that’s what wins you games.”
She continued: “Looking back, the offside is very tight and it could have been given [in our favour].
“But on the day we probably didn’t create enough after that. We started well but we needed to carry that on and it can’t just be a 15- or 20-minute spell in each half. I felt we dominated most of the game but that doesn’t win you games.
“We were disappointed with the goal we conceded because we worked on set-pieces all week.
"Everton mixed it up a bit and we weren’t quick enough to solve it ourselves, so we got punished and that’s credit to them. But we just need to be a bit more savvy in those situations. But overall, it wasn’t good enough from us.”
Laws also had words of praise for the supporters who sang their hearts out for the team.
“They were fantastic and we heard them from start to finish,” said the goalkeeper. “They put smiles on faces and even after the game when we are disappointed they are still clapping us at the end.
“I just want to thank them for coming out. We heard you throughout and we are just sorry we couldn’t get it over the line for them.”
Matt Beard’s side will now hope to bounce back on Sunday when they visit West Ham United Women at Chigwell Construction Stadium (kick-off 3pm BST).
Laws finished: “We’ve got to look forward now. We’ll dissect this game on Tuesday, put it to bed and hopefully right the wrongs. But it’s a long season and it’s only just begun.”