Boss calls for consistency
Liverpool Ladies host Doncaster Belles in the Continental Cup on Saturday evening with manager Matt Beard calling for consistency after their stunning return to form last weekend.
After a recent barren spell, the ladies showed that while form is temporary, class is permanent as they hit a magnificent seven goals in a 7-1 win at Durham.
However, despite that victory qualification for the semi-finals of the Continental Cup is not in Liverpool’s hands.
Kick-off at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Saturday night is at 6.30pm BST, and all Beard’s charges can do is win the game and then see what other results bring.
Beard told Liverpoolfc.com: “We are relying on other teams to go through to the next stage so it’s not in our hands unfortunately.
“We just need to beat Doncaster Belles and then see what happens but I would say it’s going to be difficult for us to qualify.
“The draw with Everton and the defeat at Manchester City cost us. With the injuries we had at the time that really hit us hard, so it’s no fault or criticism of the players as it was just the hand we were dealt with."
With a crunch Women’s Super League clash with Everton looming on Wednesday night, Beard is hoping his side can push on from the win over Durham and continue that winning formula.
He added: “It was pleasing to score goals and the second half at Durham was very good. It was a good response and it was good to get four different people on the scoresheet.
“We now need to find some consistency. I changed the system against Durham with Gemma Davison playing through the middle just off Natasha Dowie and it worked well for us. We have now got the opportunity to try it again against Doncaster.”
Katie Zelem netted twice in the win at Durham as she returned to her best form after injury, and Beard believes the youngster has a bright future at the club.
He said: “Katie is a good player, she’s still young and learning the game so we are not going to get carried away.
“I know she is a special talent and I know going forward she is going to have a good future as long as she keeps her feet on the ground, keeps working hard and keep improving.”
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