Beard: There is still plenty to play for

Despite suffering a second consecutive Women’s Super League defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night, Beard is confident that the reigning champions can have a successful end to the campaign.

Beard said: “It has been a difficult couple of months for us with the amount of injuries we have sustained, missing the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Corina Schroder and Fara Williams for a big part of the season, but I am still confident that we can end the season on a high.

“The likes of Asisat, Corina and Fara have now returned to light training which is a big positive whilst the younger players have managed to gain some valuable experience of playing first team football.

“The likes of Ashley Hodson, Maz Pacheco and Katie Zelem have gained some valuable experience over the second half of the season, which will be vital to their development.

“Although we haven’t picked up the results that we have been accustomed to this season, I am confident that this will make us a stronger team in the long run.”

Sunday’s clash at the Stoke Gifford Stadium kicks-off at 2pm BST, and a last four spot is at stake.

He added: “Sunday’s visit to Bristol Academy will prove to be another difficult game but one that we are confident that we can win to ensure that we are in the hat for the semi-final draw.”

The Ladies also have the added prospect of the Women’s Champions League clash with Brescia to look forward to in October, a challenge the manager insists his team will be ready for.

He added: “People are forgetting that we also have the UEFA Women’s Champions League to look forward to when we face Brescia next month.

“Having studied some of their games, we know that they are a quality team with some extremely talented players, but again on our day we are more than a match for most teams and I am confident that we can progress.”