Reds Ladies are in 'better shape'

Liverpool Ladies manager Robbie Johnson says his side will be in better shape to compete in the Women's Premier League if they win promotion.

The Reds beat Lincoln 2-1 on Sunday and sit top of the Northern Division, five points ahead of Leicester City.

"We're not only trying to get promoted at the first attempt but we're also trying to develop the players," Johnson told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"So, if we do go up, they are in better shape than when we came down."

He added: "With having so many new players this season, it's been a case of bedding them in. So far things are working but you've always got to be careful of the next corner."

Liverpool were relegated from the National Division last season after finishing second from bottom.

If Sunderland drew us in the FA Cup they'd most probably know they were in a game Liverpool Ladies manager Robbie Johnson

And Johnson knows if they do win promotion they will face a tough battle, as their 4-1 defeat by National Division Sunderland in the first round of the Premier League Cup demonstrated.

"We could have been 4-0 up at half time in that game," Johnson continued.

"We didn't take our chances and Sunderland scored three or four Match of the Day goals, as they struck them in from 25 yards.

"They took their opportunities but we didn't take ours. So if that's the difference, at the moment we're not there.

"But I would certainly imagine if Sunderland drew us in the FA Cup they'd most probably know they were in a game."