NewsGemma Bonner wins second LFC Women Player of the Month award of 2023-24

The Reds centre-back was selected by supporters to win the prize for January, having also clinched the trophy in November.

Bonner played the full 90 minutes in all three of the team's matches during the month and provided the crucial late winner at Bristol City to secure progress in the Adobe Women's FA Cup.

"I'm grateful to win the award. Our fans are a special part of the club and to receive an award that is voted for by the fans is special," the No.23 told Liverpoolfc.com upon collecting the award at the AXA Melwood Training Centre.

"They have always been incredible to me since I've been here and even when I've been away from here, so it's special for me.

"Everywhere we play we can hear them and we feel like it's a home game because we can hear their support, so we know we are extremely lucky to have such a great following, and they definitely help us get through it."

The cup victory at Bristol City was the highlight of the month as Matt Beard's side dug deep to win the game with 10 players after the dismissal of midfielder Ceri Holland for two yellow cards.

"It was a big win, coming in the first game after Christmas it was probably always going to be challenging for us," said Bonner.

"We haven't been happy with our performances this year so far but I think the Bristol City game we found a way to win.

"The FA Cup is a huge competition and it's something we want to be successful in, so for us to get the result in the manner we did, we stuck in there. The performance wasn't pretty but we got the result and did what we needed to do.

"We have had a few challenges since the start of the year but I think the strength of the group, the attitude of the group, we always keep on fighting and that's a big strength of us."

Bonner's display at Ashton Gate gained many plaudits as she typically put her body on the line for the team cause, in addition to her vital third goal of the campaign.

"First and foremost I'm a defender and my job is to keep the ball out the back of the net," she added. "We had a lot of defending to do, but for me I just try to do my best for the team and help wherever I can.

"Obviously I've got a lot of experience and we've got a few young players, so I just try to be the best I can be and help the team as much as I can."

LFC Women now turn their attentions to the Women's FA Cup fifth round with a trip to London City Lionesses on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm GMT).

The team will journey south in good spirits after a morale-boosting stoppage-time equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women's Super League.

"We all know our performances haven't been where we want them to be but I think the Spurs game, we knew it was going to be a challenge, they are around us in the table and have been playing some good football," said Bonner.

"We were disappointed in the manner of the goal we conceded but again, it shows the fight in the group and we were pushing and maybe if the game had gone on a bit longer we probably would have got another one.

"It was definitely an improvement in performance and it's something we will take into this next game.

"The FA Cup is a huge competition, everyone wants to be playing at Wembley in a final and it's something for us as a club we've never been able to be successful in, so for me, I love playing in the FA Cup.

"It's going to be a tough game but it's one we are very much looking forward to and hopefully we can do the job."

Why you voted for Bonner

Heidi Thomas: Solid performances in matches she's played. Put her body on the line for the club.

Darren Durham: Consistency in an inconsistent period for the team. Leadership, commitment and skill. Gemma always gives everything!

Simon Mahoney: Scored against Bristol City, as well as strong in defence.

Susan Workman: Always amazing work-rate on and off the ball.

Jill Wilkinson: Reliable, gives her all… and scores!

Standard Chartered Women's Player of the Month 2023-24

• January: Gemma Bonner
• December: Sophie Roman Haug
• November: Gemma Bonner
• October: Marie Höbinger