Skinner: It was a total performance

Marc Skinner was beaming with pride after a 4-0 victory in the FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Goals from Millie Turner, Nikita Parris, Lucia Garcia and Lisa Naalsund secured our place in the draw for the semi-finals.

A dominant performance was the most used phrase by the Reds’ boss and he is ready to carry that through to the league next weekend.

Skinner spoke to the press about star performers, the FA Cup and why the result was so special.

IT WAS A TOTAL PERFORMANCE
“I felt we mastered the game quicker, we got into rhythm quicker, I felt that our players combined quicker. It felt like it was the uglier side of the game we were good at, picking up those second balls. We suffocated them. I am really proud of the way we played. 

”Mel [Malard] stepped up tonight, Lisa Naalsund was fantastic and spaces. Even Mary [Earps] at the end was controlling us so we didn’t need to rush. It was a total performance.“

WE WANT THIS ENERGY
“We were so frustrated when we lost in the final and we want to get back there. Whoever we get it will be a difficult tie but the negative feeling of the result of the final spurs us on. We want to right that wrong. What I would like us to do is to take this energy into the league game next week. That will be a real sign of the energy and continued growth.

”I want the same commitment from tonight. Our players are always committed but it felt energetic, it felt purposeful. We have some brilliant players and we want to keep the energy going.“

PRAISE FOR EVERYONE
”Lucia [Garcia] is so hard to play against. Her agility. I thought Melvine [Malard] was very calm tonight, excellent. We haven’t seen enough of her, I want to see more. Nikita [Parris]’s running was excellent. We were there to finish the game. I felt everyone played their part. As a collective all of them deserve praise tonight.“