Liverpool picked up their first win of the season as they beat WSL2 side Sunderland 5-0 in Group B of the Subway Women’s League Cup.
Goals from Gemma Evans, Jenna Clark, Risa Shimizu and a Sophie Roman Haug brace got them the victory.
And manager Gareth Taylor said that it felt like more than just a result, coming a few days after the sudden passing of the Reds’ former head coach Matt Beard.
“I think it’s been a real rollercoaster of emotions over the last few days, to be honest,” Taylor said to the club website afterwards. “Matt meant a lot to so many people. I was really fond of him. I played with his brother professionally. I think it’s rocked a lot of people and it’s so, so difficult for the group and for the players today to go out and play so soon after it happening.
“I think that performance tonight was very good. It spoke volumes. I said to the girls afterwards that Matt would’ve been really proud of that.”
All players wore black armbands during the match, which was preceded by a minute’s silence. The club have also placed books of condolence for fans to sign should they wish.
Gareth Taylor: It’s not easy to play in these conditions
Adding that some of his squad had played under Beard’s management for several years, Taylor said he was proud of how his players had conducted themselves in difficult circumstances.
“Memories live long and we remember these people that have been part of our lives. I think it’s really important to do that, but their spirit doesn’t die. I was proud of what the girls did tonight because that’s not easy to play in those types of conditions. Of course, it helps getting the early goal, and we played some really good stuff and played with an identity that Matt would’ve been really proud of.”
On the performance itself, he said that they had also been looking ahead to Sunday’s Women’s Super League encounter when they host Manchester United.
“We have decent numbers in the squad but in certain areas of the pitch we’re a little bit light. Managing that is always good, but I think players would’ve enjoyed playing in that tonight because we had a lot of the ball and a lot of opportunities. Everyone, whether they got on the pitch or not, contributed really well.”
