ReactionGareth Taylor on Sunderland victory: 'I'm so proud – this club is special'

The Reds earned an opening win in Group B of the Subway Women's League Cup in difficult circumstances at St Helens Stadium.

Goals from Gemma Evans, Jenna Clark, Risa Shimizu and a double from Sophie Roman Haug were enough to overcome the visitors.

For Liverpool, it was the first time they had taken to the pitch since the sudden passing of former manager Matt Beard over the weekend.

Tributes were held ahead of kick-off in his memory with a minute's silence, while players wore black armbands and supporters paid their respects during the game to celebrate his two WSL titles with the club.

Post-match, head coach Taylor gave his reaction to the win and the difficulty of the last few days – read the interview below…

On the victory and it feeling like a bit more than 'just a result'...

Absolutely. I think it's been a real rollercoaster of emotions over the last few days, to be honest. Matt meant a lot to so many people. I was really fond of him. I played with his brother professionally. I think it's rocked a lot of people and it's so, so difficult for the group and for the players today to go out and play so soon after it happening. I think that performance tonight was very good. It spoke volumes. I said to the girls afterwards that Matt would've been really proud of that.

On how difficult the last few days have been for everyone at the club...

It's an individual thing. I think that everyone feels different. Everyone would've had certain relationships with Matt. As an example, Fisky [Grace Fisk] would've played under him twice, same as Leanne [Kiernan]. It's probably going to affect those guys a little bit more because the more you know someone and the better you know someone, the harder it feels when you lose them.

It's been tough. I'm not going to lie. I think we've been open and we've been honest with each other. We've been open to allowing grief because it can affect you in different ways. I've just felt an immense feeling of pride throughout this period. This club is so special. I was at the men's first team game last night for the minute's silence, which was impeccable. It puts things in perspective for sure. But it also makes you feel really humbled by the support, the supporters we have, the support of the club and just the way the girls have reacted has been incredible.

Like I say, I'm really proud of them and the club is really proud of everyone here. We will try to look after each other and support each other really, really well. That is something that Liverpool does to high levels.

On the importance of understanding that there may be an effect on the club for a while...

Of course. Memories live long and we remember these people that have been part of our lives. I think it's really important to do that, but their spirit doesn't die. I was proud of what the girls did tonight because that's not easy to play in those types of conditions. Of course, it helps getting the early goal, and we played some really good stuff and played with an identity that Matt would've been really proud of.

On the performance and clean sheet...

I think in the second half when it was still 3-0 and you would like to open it up a bit more it can be frustrating, but you have to factor in changes. We're trying to think ahead a little bit to the weekend. We have decent numbers in the squad but in certain areas of the pitch we're a little bit light. Managing that is always good, but I think players would've enjoyed playing in that tonight because we had a lot of the ball and a lot of opportunities. Everyone, whether they got on the pitch or not, contributed really well.

• Match report: Liverpool score five to defeat Sunderland in Women's League Cup