Gemma Bonner's appearance record celebrated ahead of Brighton clash

Gemma Bonner was recognised as Liverpool's all-time appearance maker in the Barclays Women's Super League era with a presentation before Sunday's meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The defender is enjoying her second spell at the club after re-signing in January 2023, and managed to surpass Ashley Hodson's tally of 134 outings earlier this month in the Continental League Cup tie against Manchester City to make history.

Marking the occasion prior to kick-off at Prenton Park, Bonner was presented with a framed shirt by Ian Callaghan, who tops the men's list for all-time appearances with 857.

Speaking in the matchday programme, Ireland international Niamh Fahey was full of praise for her teammate.

"I feel as though we're running out of superlatives really when it comes to Gemma and what she has done in her career and is still doing for us this season," Fahey said.

"She has been putting in performances week in and week out and showing what a true leader she is. It's fantastic for us senior players to have her with us and fantastic for all the younger players to have someone like Gemma at Liverpool.

"The presentation before the game will be a massive recognition of her achievements as a top player, a top professional and a top person."

Bonner would go on to have a fantastic outing against Brighton, bagging the opening goal in fairytale fashion as she flicked on Marie Höbinger's corner past Sophie Baggaley in the Seagulls net.

It kickstarted a clinical performance from the Reds, with Shanice van de Sanden, Ceri Holland and Sophie Roman Haug adding to Bonner's opener to seal an emphatic 4-0.