ReactionMatt Beard: Everyone stood up - they were excellent
Matt Beard was delighted by the collective efforts of his team as Liverpool FC Women claimed their second win of the Barclays Women's Super League season.
During a dominant opening 45 minutes against West Ham United on Sunday, well-taken goals from Ceri Holland and Katie Stengel put the Reds in front.
Beard’s side then shut out the visitors at Prenton Park in the second half to secure three points and make it four games unbeaten in all competitions.
“Big three points, especially after Leicester’s result yesterday,” the manager told Liverpoolfc.com post-match. “Really pleased with the way we started the game, obviously getting two in front in the first 15, 20 minutes.
“I felt we were worthy of that lead and we could have had more. Really pleased with the performance.
“From start to finish, the way we managed the game at the end, West Ham are a tough team to play against and I felt we dealt with everything they threw at us.
“Especially that save from Lawsy [Rachael Laws] at 2-0, the 80th minute. Everyone stood up today and they were excellent.”
Holland’s clinical finish opened the scoring with just three minutes played and Stengel later showed typical composure to roll a low strike into the bottom corner.
And Beard had words of praise for both as he reflected on the key moments of the encounter.
“Her performance was world-class today,” the boss said of Holland. “She deserves her goal; she scores a lot in training and for whatever reason it has just not come off [in previous games].
“Today she got her goal and kept creating goalscoring chances. You’ve got to give West Ham credit on some of the blocked shots and saves from Mackenzie [Arnold]. Really pleased with Ceri’s performance today.
“Katie is a great forward. I say it all the time about her finishing, she can score all different types of goals.
“But I thought her energy and her work-rate, especially in the back end of the game, you could she was dead on her feet at the back end, same with Mel [Lawley], but they have left nothing on the pitch.”
The afternoon was also a landmark occasion for Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey, whose appearance brought up the milestone of 100 for the club.
“Great performance from her – heading everything, blocking everything,” added Beard.
“I’m delighted for Niamh; she’s a wonderful, wonderful person, an unbelievable character and I’m delighted for her.”
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