11 months ago
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Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Hoping to use the momentum of beating Everton midweek, Kearns and the Red Women look to Manchester United on the weekend.
A Derby win for Liverpool Women in the mid-week will certainly get anyone’s spirits up, especially after it has been a while since the Red Women have beaten our Blue neighbors. Winning 2-1 on Wednesday was satisfying, even if Liverpool aren’t in the best position in the Continental Cup standings at the moment. A win is a win, though, and the squad will carry it into the weekend as they travel to face to Manchester United Women in the Women’s Super League.
“We want to win every derby but finally we’ve got a result that we’ve wanted and I think the performance goes with it,” Missy Bo Kearns said following the Everton match on Wednesday.
“I think we controlled the majority of the game. Probably got a bit sloppy [in] the last five minutes to concede, but we got the win and that’s all that matters sometimes.”
Liverpool currently sit 4th in their group for the Continental Cup, and 5th in the league, so they’re not entirely in or out of danger yet, but eyes are turned towards North West rivals for the match on Sunday. The match against Manchester United is also the last match of the calendar year, so every player will be hoping to go into the winter break with a win on their backs.
“Every game means the same to us, you’ve got to pick up points when you play,” Kearns continued.
“It doesn’t matter whether there’s a Christmas break coming or it’s the start of the season, points matter. You only get to play so many games so we need to pick up three points.
“It’s Manchester United, it’s another derby in a sense. Build on what we’ve done [against Everton] and we want another win.”
One of the most integral parts of getting those wins has been the addition of striker Sofie Roman Haug in the summer. Haug’s opening strike against Everton was her fourth goal of the season, and Kearns is confident the Norwegian will continue to bag even more goals for the Reds this season - hopefully on Sunday as well.
“She’s one of those players, if you hit the space you know she’s always there. She doesn’t attack the ball, she makes the runs and knows where to be,” the Scouser explained.
“She’s an out-and-out striker and the way she’s fitting in, it’s like she’s been playing in this league for years. I’m made up for her.”
Kearns herself has been getting more reliable minutes throughout the season, even more chances to show her skills and prove herself for manager Matt Beard, and she’s made up for the opportunities in spades.
“Obviously I’m a footballer, I want to play as many minutes as possible. But I’m just working hard and doing everything I can to be getting in the team,” she finished.
“All you can do is look after your own performances; the team has been doing well so you can’t really complain. As long as the team is doing well and I’m applying myself properly in training, when I do get the opportunity that’s it for me.”
Liverpool Women face Manchester United Women on Sunday at 12.15pm GMT.
