What Liverpool did after red card shows new-found mentality as FA Cup opponent revealed

With an hour on the clock at Ashton Gate, it looked like it wasn't going to be Liverpool's day.

The Reds were being held to a goalless draw by Bristol City and midfielder Ceri Holland had just been dismissed after picking up a second yellow card. It is at this juncture previous Liverpool sides might have faltered and been forced to reluctantly abandon their FA Cup dream.

But, time and time again this term, Matt Beard's side have shown they are made of sterner stuff. And, as the game edged toward the final whistle, centre-back Gemma Bonner delivered the decisive moment, finishing emphatically from a corner to give the visitors a precious lead.

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The Reds survived a late onslaught from Lauren Smith's side to emerge victorious from the contest, thus booking their place in the FA Cup fifth round and getting their 2024 off to a winning start. "We wanted to progress," Beard said after the game. "Last year we played Chelsea, it was a tight game [but] we didn’t make it through.

"Obviously we’re in a good position in the league table and I know from my time at West Ham how this cup run keeps you motivated, keeps you going in the sense that you look at the final and going to Wembley."

Of course, there is still a long way to go before the competition's showpiece fixture in May but, with a trip to Championship side London City Lionesses to come in the next round, it looks like the stars might just be aligning for Liverpool to enjoy a successful cup run.

Certainly, if Liverpool were to get their hands on the FA Cup trophy in a few months time, it would feel in many