Everton Women end pre-season preparation with Liverpool stalemate

Yesterday at 06:00 AM

Brosnan says intensity great to take into Brighton season opener

Courtney Brosnan feels the intensity of Merseyside derby is 'great' to take into the first Women's Super League game of the new season after Everton Women signed off their pre-season calendar with a goalless draw against Liverpool.

Both sides had chances to grab a decisive winner, but in the end it was Brosnan and her Red counterpart Rachel Laws who grabbed the headlines in a typically competitive battle that has become the hallmark between these two sides.

And Brosnan feels the team will benefit greatly having played an intense fixture a week before competitive action starts again away at Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday, as she explains:

"It was a big test and a great game for us to end pre-season on. We know the qualities Liverpool have.

"Obviously, there is always that intensity that comes with a derby game and that is great for us to take into the Brighton game.

"It's also a great chance for everyone to get on the same page as a team and for players to get some minutes on the pitch," continued the Republic of Ireland stopper.

"We know how hard and intense the league [WSL] is, so it is great to see everyone getting ready to go ahead of the new season.

"Pre-season has been long but I think everyone is excited for Brighton and we can't wait to get going this year."

Over the past month, Brian Sorensen's side has done battle with teams including Celtic, Burnley, Northeast rivals Sunderland and Newcastle, followed by a defeat against Aston Villa.

Fixtures have been used to give new recruits, youth team stars, as well as established players, the chance to get some minutes under their belt ahead of the WSL curtain raiser away on the South coast Saturday, 21 September.