Kiernan’s strike earns LFC women pre-season win

Last season’s top scorer Leanne Kiernan picks up where she left off, netting 12 times in just 15 appearances, last season.

Cavan soccer star Leanne Kiernan’s solitary early strike against Aston Villa was enough to earn Liverpool Women FC another victory in pre-season.

Kiernan was on the score sheet again three weeks ago when the Reds put Nottingham Forest Women to the sword, beating them 6-0, at The Campus training ground.

Once again it was a quick fire goal from last season’s top scorer Leanne Kiernan to get the Liverpool rout underway, doing well from a cross provided by summer signing Shanice van de Sanden before firing home.

Against Villa at Bodymoor Heath, the Bailieborough native was on hand to slam the ball into the back of the next after Missy Bo Kearn’s corner had been partially cleared.

Matt Beard’s side have been in sparkling form this pre-season, only losing to rivals Manchester United, as they ramp up preparations ahead of starting life proper in the Barclays Women's Super League against Reading in September.

Liverpool Women FC has two more friendly fixtures scheduled before that however, against Kiernan’s former team West Ham and Manchester City.

Kiernan, the 2019 Anglo-Celt Sportsperson of the Year, had a break-out year playing for Liverpool in the 2021-22 Women's Championship after leaving West Ham for Merseyside following the expiry of her contract with the East Londoners.

She was honoured by her club by being named their Women's Player of the Year by playing a crucial role in her side’s fight for promotion, netting 12 times in just 15 appearances.

The wily No 9's performances have also been recognised by the Liverpool faithful.

Kiernan was the Liverpool Women Supporters Club LFCWSC Player of the Season 2021-22, and was nominated too for the FA Women's Championship 'Player of the Season'.