'Title win momentum can carry us through'
Matt Beard is warning his Liverpool Ladies title holders not to be complacent when they take a 2-1 lead to Sweden ahead of Thursday's UEFA Women's Champions League second-leg tie with Linkopings FC.
Goals from Gemma Davison and Natasha Dowie ensured the Women's Super League champions hold a slender advantage in the contest, but after Linkopings' strong performance in the first leg, the manager is under no illusions as to the size of the task his team face.
"Although we travel over there leading, we cannot be complacent whatsover as they proved in the first leg what a quality side they are," said Beard.
"I said before the first leg that we would have to perform to our potential if we were to get a positive result for the return leg and this will definitely be the case again if we are to progress to the last 16."
After clinching the title under incredible circumstances on Sunday, the team will head to Sweden in a buoyant frame of mind - and Beard is hoping that momentum will help his side reach the last 16 of the UWCL.
He added: "This is a massive boost for us going into the second leg. Last season we could celebrate but we can't do that and we've got to be disciplined because we have got such a big game.
"We want to prolong our season and progress in the Champions League. If we can do that then it will finish off a fantastic season for us."
Kick-off at the Linkopings Arena is at 6pm BST on Thursday.