Match Report: Liverpool Ladies 1 - 3 Manchester City (Development Squad)

 Liverpool Ladies development squad's season has been disrupted by the first-team injury crisis, with many players making the step up to fill the gaps. Claudia Walker, Ashley Hodson, Hannah Dale, Megan Alexander and Ellie Stewart have all made appearances while goalkeeper Gemma Jackson has been a substitute on a couple of occasions.

 Tonight with no first team games until next Wednesday, the team was back to full strength against Manchester City with Hodson, Dale, Alexander and Stewart all starting.

 Jackson started in goal, with Olivia Wild at right-back, Sophia Riccio captaining the team from left-back and Shannon Beckwith and Stewart the preferred centre-back pairing.

 In midfield Eve Kennerley started alongside Dale, with Megan Alexander playing on the right wing, Hodson on the left and Mollie Green, who has been playing for the under-17s, just behind Beth Donoghue who was playing as striker.

 Manchester City attacked from the opening whistle, Shannon Beckwith and Ellie Stewart immediately finding themselves under pressure and initially each making a clearance. A cross put in across the 6-yard box however eventually eluded the Liverpool defence and was headed home.

 Following the goal the reds began to grow more into the game, with Sophia Riccio in particular linking well with Ashley Hodson on the left wing. Riccio making one of many forward runs, picking out Hodson who crossed to Mollie Green but despite Green doing well to control her strike went over the bar.

 Green grabbed Liverpool's equaliser minutes later, Hodson again doing well to head the ball forward to Beth Donoghue. Donoghue made an excellent run to the edge of the 18-yard box, shrugging off the defender with ease to cut the ball back to Green who finished nicely.

 Beth Donoghue was a stand out player, particularly during the first-half where she caused the City defence all sorts of problems with her pace. Donoghue was playing up front however continually drifted out wide, bringing the central defender with her and creating space for Green and Megan Alexander to get forward.

 Donoghue linked well with the attacking trio of Green, Hodson and Alexander behind her, the trio providing great service but the City defence tightened following the goal making it tough for Liverpool to break them down.

 As mentioned in previous development match reports, the full-backs are just as important as the midfield in the attacking movement of the team. Olivia Wild constantly up and down the wings, with Megan Alexander just in front of her also comfortable playing at full-back meaning there is cover should City win the ball back.

 Eve Kennerley and Hannah Dale also kept things ticking over in the centre of midfield, Kennerley with an excellent ball forward midway through the first-half to Riccio but her cross was cleared.

 Manchester City found themselves back in front with a brilliant goal from 40-yards out, Liverpool were enjoying the majority of possession and limiting City to long range shots however the City midfielder spotted Jackson off her line.

 The blues then extended their lead to 2 goals in the second-half, catching Liverpool on the counter attack with the attacker drawing Ellie Stewart out and then squaring the ball to an oncoming team mate that had made a run past Shannon Beckwith who finished past Jackson.

 Ellie Stewart had a good game at centre-back, even almost scoring from a first-half free kick that was more than 40 yards out. The goalkeeper only just getting a hand to it and sending it out for a corner, Riccio fouled at the resulting corner but nothing was given. As Liverpool began to put more pressure on Manchester City, Stewart dealt well with yet another counter attack - comfortably shielding the ball and instead of passing back to Jackson, turning and bringing the ball back forward between two City players.

 With the reds 3-1 down and ten minutes to go, Liverpool ramped up the pressure with Olivia Wild in particular a driving force in the side finding herself far forward. Grace Vella came on for Eve Kennerley, Emilie Revitt replaced Sophia Riccio and Yasmin Swarbrick for Megan Alexander to add some fresh legs to the side but the City defence stood strong to defend their lead.

 POTM: Mollie Green. Recently making the step-up from the U17s, Green did not look out of place and was a crucial part of the Liverpool attack. Unlucky not to have at least one more goal to her name.

 XI: Jackson, Wild, Beckwith, Stewart, Riccio (C) (Revitt), Kennerley (Vella), Dale, Alexander (Swarbrick), Green, Hodson, Donoghue

JACKSON

WILD   BECKWITH   STEWART   RICCIO 

KENNERLEY    DALE

ALEXANDER   GREEN   HODSON

DONOGHUE

 With this defeat Manchester City remain top of the development league table, 7 points clear of Liverpool but the reds have 4 games in hand meaning they can still finish much higher than their current league position of 5th.

 Coming up next the development squad have 3 home games, starting with Durham this Sunday 11th May. All dev. squad games are free entry and a great way of seeing future (and current!) first team players with many talented players in every position.

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans

Match Report: Liverpool Ladies 6 - 0 Sunderland Ladies

 After 3 games with no goals, Liverpool Ladies ran riot against Sunderland Ladies tonight in their second Continental Cup group game.

 Matt Beard named an unchanged line-up from the side that started the midweek game against Everton, while it was good for Liverpool fans to see both Libby Stout and Martha Harris on the bench.

 Liverpool completely dominated the game from the opening whistle, immediately attacking down the wings and not allowing Sunderland to settle. The Sunderland keeper Helen Alderson, former reds stopper Rachael Laws was on the bench, made a few good saves early on but the reds continued to press and find openings in the defence.

 Gemma Davison has been a stand out performer in the side since her winter move from Arsenal Ladies, tonight her performances were finally rewarded with a goal with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Following her goal Davison continued to impress, putting cross after cross into the area and making great runs down the left wing.

 Another stand out performer has been Claudia Walker who again tonight did not look out of place in the reds starting 11, as well as helping out in attack Walker drops back further into midfield to help win the ball back and is quick to move back into position when Liverpool regain possession. Walker almost set Natasha Dowie up for the second after a great run forward and ball to Dowie, yet Alderson pushed it away.

 It was Corina Schroder who eventually made it 2-0 after sustained Liverpool pressure, the German defender hit the cross bar against Everton on Wednesday but made no mistake when Gemma Davison crossed the ball low into the box.

 Then it was Natasha Dowie's turn to get on the score sheet, a brace before half-time and then completing her hat-trick in the second half. Her first goal coming following a Fara Williams corner, the second an excellent finish to beat the keeper and the third a left-footed strike.

 Katrin Omarsdottir finished the rout with a tap-in after a scramble in the box, minutes later Katrin also had a strike ruled out for offside.

 Danielle Gibbons kept her second clean sheet in three games, Amanda DaCosta never stopped running and Becky Easton had another solid game at right-back as did Gemma Bonner and Lucy Bronze in the centre of defence. A couple of Sunderland forays forward were effectively dealt with.

 Ashley Hodson, Megan Alexander and Ellie Stewart were late substitutes, with Alexander showing her attacking quality from left-back continuing Schroder's work pressing high up the pitch.

 A brilliant all-round performance from Liverpool Ladies tonight, who just never allowed Sunderland the chance to get into the game.

 POTM: Natasha Dowie

 Liverpool XI: Gibbons, Easton (Stewart), Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder (Alexander), Katrin, Williams, Walker (Hodson), DaCosta, Davison, Dowie

 Liverpool's next game is away at Manchester City in the next game of the Continental Cup, on Wednesday 14th May.

 The development squad have a home game on Thursday night, free entry vs Manchester City 7:30pm kick off - hope to see you there!

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans

Match Preview: Liverpool Ladies v Sunderland Ladies

> Previous match report: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 0 Everton Ladies <

 Liverpool Ladies' 2014 campaign is now well under way; over 3 weeks in April Liverpool played 5 games, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 1. With the return of the new season comes my monthly round ups for This Is Anfield, so make sure you remind yourself of how the season has gone so far here: April round-up.

 Liverpool kicked off the Continental Cup group stages at home on Wednesday with a goalless draw against Everton Ladies, last year the reds also drew with Everton in the opening game before progressing on to the semi-finals after winning their next 2 group games.

 This season with the introduction of a second tier to the Women's Super League, there are more group games before the semi-finals with 3 groups of 6 teams. The team that tops each group will progress to the semis along with the best runner-up.

Liverpool celebrate Natasha Dowie's goal vs Man City

 Tomorrow evening Sunderland Ladies will make the trip to Widnes to take on Liverpool for the third time this year, in a pre-season friendly the reds ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Natasha Dowie and Amanda DaCosta then in The FA Cup quarter-final Dowie was on the score sheet again alongside Martha Harris.

 Since the game in Sunderland on the 13th April, Liverpool have found themselves hit by injury missing 6 first-team players. This has given players from the development squad a chance to step-up, Ashley Hodson and Claudia Walker have in particular impressed.

 Claudia Walker made her first first-team start on Wednesday night, her 3rd game in under a week. Walker worked tirelessly down the wing and went agonisingly close with a couple of efforts, missing a Gemma Davison cross by just seconds and then testing the keeper with a great effort from the edge of the area - the young Everton keeper only just tipping it over the bar.

Claudia Walker in action for the development squad

 Gemma Davison is another Liverpool player who has impressed during the mixed start to the season, impressing with her pace down the wings and surely is due a goal.

 Liverpool back four of Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner, Lucy Bronze and Corina Schroder have had their work cut out throughout the last few matches. Defending well against Everton on Wednesday and keeping the dangerous Nikita Parris quiet limiting her chances at goal. The one chance Everton should probably have scored from, Danielle Gibbons made an excellent save to keep a clean sheet.

Sunderland's Beth Mead

 Sunderland Ladies have surprised nobody with their great start to life in the second tier, last years Premier League champions sit joint top of the table alongside Doncaster Belles having played 3 and won 3 of their opening matches. Along the way they have scored 10 goals, conceding 4 with Beth Mead scoring 4 of those 10.

 Their last two outings have seen the black cats score 6 goals and concede 0 so Liverpool will not be underestimating their opponents on the night.

 Liverpool will want to use this game to get back to winning ways after 3 games with no goals, it will be no easy task against a tough Sunderland side however with the opportunities being created by the front four goals are surely due sooner rather than later!

 The game will kick off at 6:30pm, Select Stadium, Widnes. Liverpool Ladies and men's season ticket holders are guaranteed free entry to all cup games, alternatively you can pay on the gate for £5 adults and £2.50 concessions.

 Bring your best singing voices and wear red! Da da da da Da Costa!

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans

Match Report: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 0 Everton Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies took on Everton Ladies in their opening game of the 2014 Continental Cup last night just 4 days after being knocked out of The FA Cup by their blue neighbours.

 There was just the one change to the starting line-up with Claudia Walker coming in for Ashley Hodson. Liverpool were still without 6 first-team players through injury.

 Liverpool started this game much more brightly than the derby at the weekend, immediately retaining possession through Natasha Dowie and Amanda DaCosta. Everton set up this evening to defend with only Nikita Parris remaining past the half-way line for much of the game; the first time Parris tried to break clear of the Liverpool line she was comfortably dealt with by Gemma Bonner.

 Fara Williams had Liverpool's first strike of the game, after Natasha Dowie could find no way through on the edge of the 18-yard box she passed back out to Williams but the shot from distance went over the crossbar.

 Liverpool put cross after cross into the Everton box throughout the 90 minutes, first Dowie almost finding Claudia Walker but impressive blues defender Gabby George was first to the ball.

 A first-half corner also seen Amanda DaCosta header bounce just inches wide of the far-post, Williams finding Lucy Bronze on the edge of the 6-yard box who headed it on to DaCosta.

 Liverpool pressed Everton high up the pitch, with some brilliant build up play around the area, Becky Easton finding herself in the thick of it and almost setting up Corina Schroder but the ball was cleared and out for a corner.

  Corina Schroder had the games greatest chance in the closing minutes of the first-half when the left-back broke free of her marker and took a brilliant strike at goal, the ball crashing off the cross-bar to provide Everton with the let off.

 Out for the second half and with Everton making a couple of substitutions, they continued with the same gameplan from the first half but almost with more success. Parris managing to shake off Lucy Bronze and square the ball to Michelle Hinnigan who took a shot at the top corner, Danielle Gibbons did brilliantly to react quickly and punch away.

 Gemma Davison was the reds star player yet again, working tirelessly down the wing and creating chances. A fantastic ball across the box to DaCosta almost helped to open the scoring but her strike went over.

 Claudia Walker also impressed again on her third game in 4 days, an excellent late ball into the box was only just tipped over by the keeper.

 Unfortunately for Liverpool, as on Saturday, their efforts amounted to nothing as the blues defence stood strong and resisted everything thrown at them.

 POTM: Gemma Davison

 Liverpool: Gibbons, Easton, Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder, Williams, Katrin, DaCosta, Davison, Walker (Hodson), Dowie

 For some pictures from this game visit SupportHerApp's Facebook page.

 Next up for Liverpool it's another Continental Cup game again at Select Stadium. This Saturday the reds will take on Sunderland Ladies at 6:30pm kick off! Apologies for the late upload of this match report, I had an exam this morning that I did some last minute revision for last night following the game!

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans

Match Preview: Liverpool Ladies v Everton Ladies

> Previous match report: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 2 Everton Ladies <

 "We go again" has become something of a Liverpool Football Club mantra over the last couple of weeks. This week it most certainly applies to Liverpool Ladies as they prepare to face Everton Ladies on Wednesday night, just days after being knocked out of The FA Cup by their Merseyside rivals.

 Despite a spirited second half comeback from Liverpool, who were without 6 first team players through injury, Everton held on for their first derby win in over a year.

 In his programme notes before the game, Matt Beard mentioned that the injury Libby Stout picked up at Chelsea will keep her out for a week or two. Kate Longhurst also required a scan following the Chelsea game and it is unclear whether these players alongside Martha Harris will be back for Liverpool's opening Continental Cup group game.

 There were a number of positives Liverpool can take from the game, most notably including the performance of several development squad players. Claudia Walker, Megan Alexander and Ellie Stewart all made their first-team débuts coming on at 2-0 down, Stewart joined Lucy Bronze and Gemma Bonner at the back as Liverpool switched to a more attacking formation.

 Alexander came on to play on the left, comfortable playing either at left-back or higher up the pitch, while Walker came on and immediately added to the Liverpool attack creating chances for herself and helping back in defence.

 Everton's Nikita Parris looked lively throughout the 90 minutes, although as Everton defended their lead in the second half the new Everton number 9 found herself isolated up front and was dealt with effectively by the Liverpool defence.

 Everton duo Alex Greenwood and Gabby George also stood out, Greenwood grabbing the second blues goal and George standing strong in defence against the Liverpool assault in the second-half.

 Liverpool may now be out of The FA Cup, but they will be even more determined to progress further in the Continental Cup starting on Wednesday evening with Everton and then Saturday night when Sunderland Ladies will come to Widnes.

 The derby is on Wednesday 30th April, 6:30pm kick off. Entry to all cup games is free of charge for all Liverpool season ticket holders, otherwise it is just £5 adults and £2.50 concessions on the turnstiles.

 A couple of things to finish off, first of all a massive congratulations to Liverpool development squad who beat Aston Villa 3-1 away on Sunday afternoon to progress to the development cup final.

 Gemma Jackson, Olivia Wild, Ellie Stewart, Sophia Riccio, Megan Alexander, Mollie Green, Emilie Revitt, Grace Vella, Hannah Dale, Beth Donoghue and Claudia Walker all starred as the team came from behind to win. Becca Hillman and Eve Kennerley were second-half substitutes.

 After falling a goal behind Claudia Walker scored the reds equaliser, after playing the night before for the first-team alongside Stewart and Alexander, Beth Donoghue put the reds in front before Hannah Dale completed the scoring from the penalty spot. As soon as details are announced for the final, to be played against Arsenal Ladies, I will put them on twitter and I am hoping to be able to get to the final myself!

 Finally the PFA awards took place in London on Sunday night, with Liverpool Ladies dominating the women's awards.

 First of all no less than SEVEN current Liverpool stars were named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year, with Lucy Bronze, Gemma Bonner, Martha Harris, Fara Williams, Nicole Rolser, Gemma Davison and Natasha Dowie all in the best of XI.

 Next up Martha Harris picked up the inaugural Young Player of the Year award before Lucy Bronze was named PFA Player of the Year. Huge congratulations to all!

Match Report: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 2 Everton Ladies

 Earlier this evening Liverpool Ladies were knocked out of The FA Cup, suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies.

 Many had tipped Everton as relegation favourites this season having lost two key players during the transfer window, however they still boast a talented young squad and attacked Liverpool from the starting whistle to immediately put the reds on the back foot.

 Liverpool's injury list grows longer by the week; Libby Stout, Martha Harris and Kate Longhurst joining Katie Zelem, Lucy Staniforth and Nicole Rolser on the sidelines, along with Louise Fors out on loan that makes Liverpool 7 first team players down.

 Everton took an early lead when Nikita Parris beat Gemma Bonner to race into the 18-yard box, Parris' goal is the first Liverpool have conceded this season so far.

 Amanda Da Costa went closest to getting Liverpool an equaliser, Fara Williams with a brilliant low ball but Da Costa's strike went inches wide. Da Costa was involved again moments later, beating a couple of blue shirts on a mazy run into the box before squaring the ball to Gemma Davison who was fouled on the edge of the box.

 Fara Williams took the free kick, in almost the exact same position from the one she scored again Chelsea last season. Unfortunately the ball swung in low at the near post and went out for a goal kick.

 Nikita Parris was by far Everton's best player on the pitch, a constant menace for Gemma Bonner and Lucy Bronze to deal with.

 Everton's lead was doubled when Alex Greenwood headed past Danielle Gibbons, an Everton corner was cleared only to be put straight back into the 6-yard box for the recent England débutante to score.

 In the second half Liverpool came out fighting, Gemma Davison in particular a stand out once again in the Liverpool attack. Alex Greenwood standing strong against the Liverpool winger and constantly forcing her out wide.

 Claudia Walker made her first-team début replacing development squad strike partner Ashley Hodson. Once on the pitch and despite being thrown in at the deep end Walker did not look out of place, having the confidence to shoot from distance - which blues keeper Rachel Brown did well to keep hold of - and also tracking back to defend and kickstart another Liverpool attack.

 The final 10 minutes became frantic as Liverpool searched for an opening, Ellie Stewart and Megan Alexander replaced Becky Easton and Corina Schroder. Stewart joining Bronze and Bonner at the back with Alexander going to left wing to aid the Liverpool attack.

Claudia Walker impressed on her first team début 

 In the closing minutes Lucy Bronze made an excellent run forward from centre-back into the 18-yard box, winning a corner for Liverpool which Everton again defended well and cleared.

 POTM: Gemma Bonner. A captain's performance tonight, driving the team on and pushing high up the pitch during a frantic final 10 minutes.

 Liverpool: Gibbons, Easton (Alexander), Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder (Stewart), Williams, Katrin, Da Costa, Davison, Hodson (Walker), Dowie

 Unused subs: Jackson, Dale

 It is of course disappointing to be knocked out of The FA Cup and not to reach the semi-finals as we did last year, Liverpool threw everything they had at Everton during the second half and were unlucky not to come away with at least a goal for their efforts.

 Credit of course must go to Everton, a brilliant performance from the blues and deservedly into the next round - good luck to them!

 Next up for Liverpool it's Everton again, this time in the Continental Cup on Wednesday 30th April. Liverpool will be out looking for revenge in this cup tie which kicks off at 6:30pm.

 ***Any Liverpool supporters who have already purchased tickets for The FA Cup Final please remember our Under 17s will also play at MK Dons that day, their FA Youth Cup Final will kick off at 1pm. If you're headed down south get into the ground early to support the girls!***

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans

Match Preview: Liverpool Ladies v Everton Ladies

> Previous match report: Chelsea Ladies 0 - 0 Liverpool Ladies <

 The first Merseyside derby of the 2014 season sees Liverpool Ladies host Everton Ladies in The FA Cup Quarter-Final. Liverpool reached the semi-finals of last years competition and this year are hoping to progress even further in the cups.

 So far this season Liverpool have played 3 competitive matches, winning 2 and drawing 1, scoring 3 and conceding 0. In their opening 3 games last season the reds had conceded twice, Libby Stout appears to be the biggest difference at the back for Liverpool. Stout commands her box well and never shirks away from a challenge - even if it means, as last Sunday, colliding with the attacker.

Natasha Dowie vs Chelsea

 Last Sunday Liverpool Ladies were away at Chelsea, Libby Stout's aforementioned collision with Yuki Ogimi forcing a substitution in the second half with the more than capable Danielle Gibbons replacing her. Gibbons had been one of the stand-out performers for the development squad over the winter break, alongside Ashley Hodson who also got her chance in the first team against Chelsea - coming on in the first half to replace the injured Kate Longhurst.

 Natasha Dowie is once again the reds top scorer, with 2 goals to her name - a tap-in away at Sunderland and a fine finish at home against Manchester City in the league opener. The reds striker also scored 3 in 4 pre-season appearances, giving a strike rate of 5 goals in 7 games in 2014 and picking up exactly where she left off last season.  

 Gemma Davison is also proving to be an inspired signing for the reds, working well in midfield alongside Amanda DaCosta in creating chances both for herself and for others. Davison hit the post in a dominating opening spell for Liverpool against Chelsea last weekend. Fara Williams and Katrin Omarsdottir also continue to develop their midfield partnership, both sit a little deeper than the attacking front four but being a crucial part to Liverpool's attack.

 In defence Lucy Bronze and Gemma Bonner are the preferred centre back pairing, with confident solid displays against both Manchester City and Chelsea. Tough tackling Becky Easton has started 2 games out of 3 at right-back, while attacking left-back Corina Schroder has also picked up where she left off last season pressing high up the pitch.

Corina Schroder scores vs Everton

 Corina Schroder scored her first and only Liverpool goal in the 4-1 win away at Everton last season, the German defender also played a big role in the return fixture with a perfect cross into the box for Dowie to get on the end of and put the reds in front.

 Between the 2012 and 2013 season Everton lost 4 of their best players to the red half of Merseyside, with Natasha Dowie, Fara Williams, Becky Easton and Lucy Bronze all making the switch. Following the end of the 2013 campaign, captain Jill Scott and star striker Toni Duggan also departed for WSL newcomers Manchester City.

 That said, Everton are still left with a predominantly young but talented squad. Nikita Parris scored a wonder goal in the derby last September and will likely lead the blues attack on Saturday evening. New captain Michelle Hinnigan grabbed herself a goal in the last round of The FA Cup away at Cardiff, while ex-Liverpool duo Kelly and Vicky Jones also remain at Everton.

Everton captain Michelle Hinnigan

 The winner of this tie will face an away trip to either Notts County or Portsmouth for the semi-final on Sunday 11th May.

 The game has been moved to Saturday evening, kicking off at 7pm at the Select Stadium, Widnes.

 Entry is priced at £5 adults, £2.50 concessions. If you are a Liverpool Ladies season ticket holder, season tickets also cover entry to all home cup games.

 Thanks for reading!

 @LFCladiesfans