ReactionNiamh Fahey: FA Cup exit a real disappointment but we'll bounce back
Niamh Fahey explained the frustration in the ranks after Liverpool FC Women exited the Adobe Women's FA Cup at the quarter-final stage on Saturday.
Hopes were high at Prenton Park that Matt Beard's side could continue their impressive form and reach the semi-finals.
But goals in either half from Jutta Rantala were enough to give visitors Leicester City a 2-0 victory, with the Reds seeing Marie Höbinger's chip hit the post when behind by one.
Captain Fahey told Liverpoolfc.com: "Unfortunately we were not at our best and we got punished on two mistakes with two really sloppy goals.
"We didn't take our chances, we had plenty of moments in the first half and it's just a really disappointing day all round. Leicester are a difficult team to play against and it was just a battle from then on, so congratulations to them, they got the better of us.
"We were just a bit off it I think, especially the second half, with that final pass, we were below our usual standards and if you are not on it you get punished.
"It's disappointing we couldn't get through to the semi-final and then one step away from Wembley, but we need to learn from this, pick ourselves up and go again."
Among the positives picked out by Fahey was the performance of Danish midfielder Sofie Lundgaard.
Playing in the holding role in the absence of the injured Fuka Nagano, the 21-year-old excelled again as she is enjoying a good run in the team.
"Sofie has done really well and I thought she was brilliant, winning a lot of second balls and was brave on the ball," added Fahey. "She has had to be patient but she has been fantastic in training and deserves all the credit."
Beard's side will now hope to bounce back on Sunday in the Barclays Women's Super League when they host West Ham United at Prenton Park (kick-off 12pm GMT).
Liverpool are currently level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United as they mount a challenge for a top-four finish.
Fahey concluded: "We'll dust ourselves down and get back to basics and make sure we have a good training week and get ready for West Ham.
"We are having a good season, and although we are very disappointed we have to look at the cup defeat as a hiccup and we have to be ready again because the games are coming thick and fast. So we will get ourselves ready to go again."