NewsGareth Taylor column: Semi-final frustration, Anfield finale and squad fitness latest
In his final column of the season, Gareth Taylor reflects on Liverpool's heartbreaking loss in the Adobe Women's FA Cup semi-final and previews the last game of the campaign, against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
The way it ended against Brighton on Sunday was really frustrating for us.
I thought it was a game of moments and we certainly had ours. I felt we started the game tremendously well, took the play to Brighton and could arguably have been more goals up during that period of time.
It was a real sucker-punch conceding straight after we went 2-0 up from a set-play.
That always knocks the confidence a little bit out of the team but we rallied at half-time and actually started the second half really well when Fisky [Grace Fisk] had a header cleared off the line.
Brighton, and you have to give them credit, then stepped it up and started to find spaces a little bit more while we went a bit more direct and played into their hands, which was frustrating.
What we have had all season really is glimpses and bits of progress, and I think it's exciting to see where this team can go with a bit more work in the summer and a few more additions.
But it was really gutting that we got this close to a Wembley final when we were in control for parts of the game and then we lost that control. So, there are lots of things to work on and improve on and get better just so we can handle those situations better.
On the injury front, unfortunately Ceri Holland and Denise O'Sullivan had to go off so we will have to assess them and see how they are for Saturday.
It's two seasons in a row now that we have been in an FA Cup semi-final. I think it's good experience for us and that will really help the players for when we get the opportunity again.
We just really wanted to do it for our fans, to be able to give them a trip to Wembley and give them a really good occasion, but we really appreciate everything our supporters have done for us this season.
We want to thank them when we host Arsenal in our final game at Anfield on Saturday. It's always a fantastic experience for us to play at Anfield and we hope to do our fans proud.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
YNWA,
Gareth
Gareth Taylor was speaking to Liverpoolfc.com's Steve Hunter