Liverpool manager Vicky Jepson has hailed an ‘incredible’ effort from her players which saw the club defeat Barclays FA Women’s Super League side Manchester United 3-1 in the group stage of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup at Prenton Park this afternoon.
Northern Irish international Rachel Furness helped herself to a double against The Red Devils while Rinsola Babajide was also on target for the hosts.
Liverpool took the big chances which came their way against United while they showed some great resolve in defence to not allow their opponents back into the game. The qualities displayed by The Reds really impressed their manager who continues to oversee an unbeaten start to the new season.
When speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time after the match, Jepson said “We competed, we matched them and made it very difficult for them to play through us or play around us.
“We’ve controlled the game pretty much without the ball and looked to cause them problems on the counter attack.
“I can’t really put into words how delighted I am with every individual’s performance today.
“We’ve had players playing out of position due to injuries and managing minutes and they’ve done an incredible job, that’s what Liverpool is about.
“It was incredible coming off laughing and joking in the huddle because it has been a long time coming.”
A derby day victory is always sweet but for Jepson, it means more than most with the Liverpool boss having spent more than a decade at the club in various roles.
She added “I’m emotionally attached to this club. I love everything about it, it is my football family and I have been on an incredible journey with this club.
“I know what the North West football rivalry with United means to the fans.
“I am just really proud of our display today and I hope that it is a benchmark that we show when we step up against other WSL teams in the Conti Cup to showcase that we can compete.”
Victory over United ensured that Liverpool continued their unbeaten run into a fifth game and Jepson admits that momentum is key in the club’s bid for long-awaited success this season.
“Momentum is key for us, winning momentum is everything in football” said the Liverpool boss. “We didn’t have that last season but we have that now and we have to maintain it by having a good work ethic, making sure that are doing the right things off the pitch and making sure that the process and our approach to every game is perfect.”
Liverpool are back in action again on Sunday when they travel to Farley Way to take on Leicester City in the FA Women’s Championship.
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