Reaction'The players deserved it' - Gareth Taylor on reaching Women's FA Cup semi-finals
Gareth Taylor praised the performance and patience of his Liverpool team after they earned a 1-0 extra-time victory over Charlton Athletic in the Adobe Women's FA Cup.
Youngster Zara Shaw proved to be the hero for the Reds on Sunday afternoon at The Valley in the 115th minute of the contest.
The 18-year-old's goal from the bench on her long-awaited return from injury provided the winning effort after a little over a year out of action.
Following the game, Taylor gave his reaction to TNT Sports - read on below to see what the head coach had to say...
On the victory...
Yeah, really pleased. The players deserve it. I think we had to work hard for the game today. It really highlights playing against a team that are good defensively in the Championship in Charlton. They've got the best defensive record. We knew it was going to be a difficult game. We controlled large parts of the game without actually working their goalkeeper enough, which was a frustration. When we forced things, we probably gave two or three minutes to Charlton in possession. It was just a case of being patient. If it had to go to penalties, I think then we've got one of the world's best in goal.
On what was turning into a nervy finish...
You prepare for everything but what a story for Zara Shaw. I've only been at the club a short while and she's been injured for most of that while. The way she behaves and how hard working she is with every staff member. You tell her what to do and she does it to the letter. She's such a great girl to work with and just magical today. We're so chuffed.
On the team celebrations for Shaw at the end...
The group of girls here are fantastic. They really, really work hard and support each other. We've been through a lot this season. I think it's really made us stronger and when one really gets the glory, we love it.
On what reaching the final would mean to the club...
We just want to extend the season. It's no secret we've come into some form of late. We've improved a lot and it's almost as though we don't want the season to finish. Today we were talking four games left but we want five or we want six. We want to try and extend the season and not end because we are starting to come into a bit of form with some good results and confidence which is big.
On what has lead to the change in form...
It's the injection of players in January and it's interesting because last weekend we beat Everton in the derby, and only one of the six players that we signed in January started that game in Jennifer Falk. But what that proves is it just improves everything. It improves training and allows levels to go up and just gives you a better selection pool as well, particularly as a coach.
Last week against Everton I have four attacking options with Anna Josendal, who's unfortunately not made the game today through illness, Alice Bergstrom and then all of a sudden you lose a couple in Ceri Holland and Anna today. It's why we've got a few youngsters on the bench and that's why Zara gets the opportunity, which is great and that's what happens.