ReactionJenna Clark: It was an all-round performance to be proud of

Wednesday night’s Subway Women’s League Cup tie was the Reds’ first fixture since the sudden passing of former manager Matt Beard.

Amid tributes to Beard before and during the game, Gareth Taylor’s side delivered a clinical display and took the victory thanks to goals from Gemma Evans, Clark, Risa Shimizu and Sophie Roman Haug (two).

“Massively proud of the team,” said Clark post-match. “Obviously it has been a really tough few days. We’re happy with the win and happy to get the job done.

“It’s obviously been a massive shock to all of us and been really, really emotional. We’ve stuck together as a group.

“It’s still not going to be easy going forward, but to get this game done, and do it with such a confident performance, helps the team.”

• Read our match report here

On a personal level, centre-back Clark was able to look back on a job particularly well done: the armband, a goal, an assist and a clean sheet.

The Scot continued: “It’s a nice moment for me personally to be captain of the team. But the group we have – not just the players, the staff as well, everyone – it’s such a great group to be a part of.

“Especially given the circumstances, it’s really emotional for us all. We’re proud of the performance.

“The last one, I saw it going in but Sophie got the last touch so credit to her, she was in a good area. The deliveries were obviously really good, it’s nice to get on the scoresheet.

“I think Lily [Woodham] assisted my first one and the second one was maybe an assist for me now. Really happy with the performance and happy to contribute as well.

“It was an all-round five-star performance. We can be happy with what happened at the front of the pitch but as a back line we’re delighted with keeping a clean sheet.”

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