Liverpool 2-0 Spurs, Women's Super League | Martin Ho's verdict

Martin Ho was full of disappointment and frustration as two stoppage-time goals from Mia Enderby condemned us to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at St Helens Stadium on Sunday.

After back-to-back wins over Leicester City at home – in the Women’s Super League and FA Cup – we were looking to build on a positive run since the turn of the year, but it wasn’t to be as the hosts eventually ran out deserved winners in the contest.

Lize Kop produced a number of key saves while we were indebted to the woodwork on three occasions but, in the last minute of the four minutes of additional time at the end, Enderby struck twice in a minute to seal our fate.

We struggled to get things going throughout the 90 minutes, showing glimpses in the second period, but Signe Gaupset being denied one-on-one by Jennifer Falk was the best of our opportunities.

“Disappointing,” Martin reflected, speaking to us afterwards. “In the first half, we didn’t really get going in the big moments. We had some spells on the ball where we got into good areas, particularly in the attacking third, but we didn’t show any cutting edge when we were there. Defensively, we were off it.

“We were defending as individuals rather than as a collective team. The second half was better - we were more collective in how we defended. We were more aggressive off the ball, but also more patient and disciplined. With the ball, I thought we had some big moments in the second half that need to go in if we’re going to get something away from home.

“They didn’t, and because of that we allowed Liverpool to stay in the game. In the last two or three minutes, we defended really poorly. At this level, if you don’t defend well in those moments, you get punished – and we did today. When you get to stoppage time at nil‑nil, you just want to see the game out. That’s the frustration – not seeing it out when Liverpool were putting the pressure on.”

“When you get to that part of the game, you know it can go either way, and we didn’t put ourselves in a position where we deserved to take anything from the game. We gave away too much space, showed too much apprehension about when to go and when not to. We weren’t decisive enough in the individual duels, and again, at this level, you get punished.”

Martin wanted to praise the terrific following from our supporters on Merseyside. “They’re really important to us. We’re grateful they come out and support the team, and we always try to give them a performance they can be proud of.

“I’m disappointed that all we can do today is apologise for the result because it’s not what we wanted. I wish them a safe journey home, and hopefully next week at West Ham we’ll have big numbers again and can push the players over the line this time.”