WSL Matchday 16 round-up: Taylor taking one game at a time in title race

Adam Drury

LiveScore

Gareth Taylor's Manchester City are second in the WSL

Gareth Taylor is refusing to get ahead of himself after Manchester City won their 10th consecutive Women's Super League match to draw level on points with leaders Chelsea.

City easily beat Brighton 4-1 on Sunday and are only behind Emma Hayes' Blues because their goal difference is two inferior.

But Taylor insists they are not looking at the bigger picture yet with six matches still to play.

He told the club site: "We were top at the start of the season then all of a sudden within a couple of games we're six behind.

"We've clawed that back and now we're level. It's great credit to the team but we take one game at a time."

And next up for the Citizens is the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester City have chased down Chelsea

Taylor said: "It's a unique game because it's at the Etihad.

"I expect a really nice surface and it's one to look forward to for players, supporters and myself. We're all excited."

Getting stronger

Liverpool boss Matt Beard said Leanne Kiernan's first goal of the season was the highlight of their 3-1 victory over West Ham.

Kiernan scored the first of the Reds' three efforts, before Missy Bo Kearns and Sophie Roman Haug added to their tally.

The forward has struggled for form this term but Beard insists she is growing in confidence.

He told the club's site: "Leanne's been very, very patient.

"That second centre forward [alongside Roman Haug] has been a puzzle to solve for us this year.

"Leanne's getting stronger each week and I'm pleased that she's got her goal because I know that was on her mind. She can just relax now and be herself.

"It's the best thing that's come out of today. This is actually the best Leanne Kiernan I've ever seen on a football pitch."

Clear improvement

Robert Vilahamn believes Tottenham's 1-0 victory over Leicester proves their growth as a team.

January signing Matilda Winverg's second-minute strike on her first WSL start for the club was enough to seal the points but it was Spurs' reaction to netting an early opener that pleased their boss the most.

Vilahamn told club channels: "Before Christmas, we would have ended this game 1-1 because we gave away goals.

"But we made the right choices, we win the game and we can take a lot of self-confidence from this.

"Matilda is looking sharper from the first day to now. I thought it was the right time to hand her a first start and her goal was amazing. It was a beautiful goal.

"I still think we should have dictated the game more and we should have created more chances but it's a good win and we are taking steps."