MATCH PREVIEW: Birmingham City v Liverpool Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies are back in competitive action tomorrow afternoon with a fifth round FA Cup tie away at Birmingham City.

 The game kicks off at 2pm, Birmingham play their home games at Solihull Moors FC (B91 2PP) with tickets on the gate priced at £6 for adults and £3 concessions. There is no live coverage of the game on radio or tv, meaning Twitter will be your only way to follow online via the official club accounts or @LFCladiesfans.

 For a full look at the season ahead, check out my Season Preview on This Is Anfield here; including a pre-season round-up, Liverpool's new signings and key games for the upcoming Women's Super League campaign.

 Liverpool took on 5 teams during pre-season, in and around the various breaks for international games, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1. The reds scored 14 goals, with contributions from all areas of the pitch and 3 of the 4 new signings scoring on their debuts. Natasha Dowie was of course the top scorer with 4 strikes to her name, including the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Everton Ladies at the beginning of March.

 Birmingham on the other hand have had no public pre-season friendlies, meaning that the team that finished a point behind Liverpool in last seasons WSL are somewhat an unknown entity.

 The midlands side have retained the majority of the squad that exceeded all expectations last year, keeper Becky Spencer will not have fond memories of the last time she faced Fara Williams while Karen Carney, Jo Potter, Jade Moore and Kirsty Linnett all also return along with a defence that contains Kerys Harrop and Aoife Mannion.

 Last time Liverpool were in Birmingham, the reds picked up a huge 3 points controversially after Fara Williams chipped the winning goal over Becky Spencer seconds after the blues had equalised. Birmingham were furious claiming the referee had not yet blown for the restart, but the goal stood and Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners on the afternoon.

 Tomorrow also marks a new era for LFCladiesfans, I'm excited to tell you that The Anfield Wrap will be publishing my match reports on their website now (as well as on here) and I will also be joining TAW for a new monthly podcast all about Liverpool Ladies. Keep your eyes peeled for more news on that as it comes!

 As ever thanks for following/ reading these blogs, LFCLF is 2 years old on Wednesday and I have a great time reporting back for all those who cannot make the games. It was actually from an overseas supporter that this opportunity with TAW has come about and I couldn't be more grateful - thanks Damian!

 - Heather

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 1 - 1 Doncaster Belles

 Liverpool Ladies drew 1-1 with Doncaster Belles in their final pre-season friendly earlier tonight. Gemma Bonner opened the scoring after coming on at half-time, Doncaster grabbed their equaliser during the final 10 minutes.

 The final 10 minutes of the game also seen reds midfielder Lucy Staniforth make a welcome return from injury, the last time Lucy played was February during last years pre-season and it was great to see her back on the pitch.

 Natasha Dowie led the line for Liverpool, captaining the side with Gemma Bonner starting on the bench. Ashley Hodson played to Dowie's right with Line Smorsgard on the left and Asisat Oshoala behind her. Hannah Dale started her second game in a row for the reds, alongside Katie Zelem in midfield, in front the back four of Ingrid Ryland, Satara Murray, Becky Easton and Corina Schroder with Libby Stout in goal.

 Most of Liverpool's attacking play in the first-half went down the left side of the pitch with Corina Schroder working well with Line Smorsgard, the latter really beginning to stand out and create opportunities going forward. Asisat Oshoala was also a bright spark throughout, battling to win the ball back and running the midfield.

 During 2013 Liverpool won countless free kicks due to Nicole Rolser drawing plenty of fouls, Smorsgard was the same this evening - winning an early free kick - while the Norwegian was also putting good crosses into the box.

 The best chance of the first-half fell to Natasha Dowie; Liverpool had quickly countered after Becky Easton had blocked a Doncaster cross at the other end, Libby Stout saving the corner and playing the ball out to Smorsgard who passed to Ashley Hodson. With the ball up in the final third, Oshoala won possession back, sending the ball out wide to Smorsgard who swung a cross in but Dowie just couldn't connect right with it.

 Dowie also had a chance on the stroke of half-time after a good run and strike from the edge of the 18-yard box, the Doncaster defender getting across in time to block.

 Doncaster attempted to breach the reds backline on a number of occasions, Hannah Dale matching one run and doing just enough to put the striker off their strike, her midfield partner Katie Zelem was also back to defend well on occasion.

 Becky Easton started at centre back and won every header, while Satara Murray read play well during the first 45 minutes - twice beating the striker to the ball with ease, turning and carrying the ball away from danger.

 Asisat Oshoala looks better as each game goes on, a real catalyst in the reds attack. Oshoala battled her way past 3 Donny players before being dispossessed early on, then linked well with Dowie, playing a quick one-two and receiving the ball back well only to see her shot blocked. Oshoala also seen another shot saved after chesting the ball down at the corner of the box and turning to shoot first time.

 Despite chances for both sides, the game remained goalless at the break.

 Out for the second half, Matt Beard made 4 changes to his Liverpool side. Danielle Gibbons came in for Libby Stout and would produce a wonderful fingertips save to push a goal bound strike over the crossbar. Gemma Bonner also took to the pitch, replacing Ingrid Ryland with Bonner partnering Murray in the centre defence and Becky Easton moving out to right-back. Fara Williams came on for Hannah Dale in a straight swap and Kate Longhurst on for Ashley Hodson.

 Liverpool looked brighter during the opening stages of the second half, Kate Longhurst has enjoyed a brilliant pre-season and looked sharp attacking down the right. Longhurst first came into the action with a good cross in from the right, this was cleared just before it could reach Katie Zelem and Smorsgard couldn't quite get there for the rebound. Next Longhurst cut into the box herself, beating two players and shooting with her left foot but the keeper dived to save.

 With Fara Williams in midfield the reds also looked a bit more composed, Williams cleaning up in defence after one early Donny attack.

 Liverpool took the lead around the 60-minute mark, Oshoala winning the corner, Williams swinging it in. A scramble in the box ensued with Dowie almost scoring from the same place she scored her winner against Everton last week, Gemma Bonner was the player to finally poke the ball over the line, scoring her first goal of 2015 just days after winning the Cyprus Cup with England.

 Martha Harris came on for Becky Easton shortly after the goal, looking sharp with a couple of good runs and constantly looking to get forward and assist the attack - against her Dad's club as well!

 Then came the moment Liverpool supporters had waited 55 weeks, 385 days, 9240 hours, 33,264,000 seconds* for: the return of Lucy Staniforth from injury. Staniforth had last appeared for Liverpool in 2014 pre-season during the win over Yeovil and it was fantastic to see her take back to the pitch in the red of Liverpool.

 Staniforth was immediately in the action, first on the left and then switching to the right and playing an excellent through ball to Oshoala, Oshoala found Zelem but Fara Williams couldn't convert the cross.

 Gemma Bonner almost added a second from another corner, her header on target but saved by ex-Everton keeper Danielle Hill.

 Doncaster Belles pulled a goal back after a mixup in the Liverpool defence and the game played out to a 1-1 draw.

 XI Stout (Gibbons), Ryland (Bonner), Murray, Easton (Harris), Schroder, Dale (Williams), Zelem, Oshoala, Smorsgard (Staniforth), Hodson (Longhurst), Dowie (C)

 POTM Lucy Staniforth

 Next up for Liverpool, Matt Beard's side are back in competitive action with a tough FA Cup tie away at Birmingham City next Sunday 22nd March. There will be a preview on the blog later in the week for this game.

 *approximate figures

A Guide to the City of Liverpool

 Welcome to LFC Ladies Fans guide to the City of Liverpool! I am proud to be teaming up with Premier Inn to create this guide and I hope that you find it useful. 

 Liverpool is a city renowned for its great football teams, friendly locals and enjoyable nightlife. This guide is aimed at visiting supporters, whether they are in town for a men's or women's game and will seek to recommend restaurants, bars and things of interest to do around the city.

 There are 3 Premier Inns in Liverpool, for rooms and rates click here. 

 3 Vernon Street, off Duke Street.
 48 Hanover Street.
 East Britannia Building, Albert Dock.

 PLACES TO EAT

 Over the last 2-3 years many new restaurants have opened across Liverpool city centre, joining the already vast options on offer and meaning that no matter what, whatever type of food you fancy - there will be something for you!

 First stop: Liverpool's burger bars. There are a number of places in the city centre that specialise in burgers, arguably the most popular being Almost Famous. Having recently revamped their menu to feature 9 staple burgers, each more extravagant than the last - 203 On A Bun (cheese, beef chili, mac & cheese patty, jalopeno relish and million island) and  Wonderland (cheese, bacon, fried chicken, slaw, cherry coke bbq sauce, million island dressing) to name just two. A personal favourite is the River Phoenix burger with frazzles and baconaise. Almost Famous is under a 5-minute walk from Premier Inn on Hanover Street and also has an interesting take on a drinks menu. 

  If you prefer to try something a little different from the norm, Bold Street is the place for you. Starting with Lebanese street food and Bakchich which is situated about half way up Bold Street and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Arabic style. The menu is reasonably priced, starting from a Chicken Shawarma wrap for just £3.50. Bakchich also offers a number of lamb dishes and all of it's Mashawi/ Charcoal Grills are served with Arabic rice and bread. 

 The newest addition to Bold Street is Mowgli, serving traditional Indian street food tapas style. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu - comfortably assisting one of my friends on her choices - and also offered tasters of their must-have Lassi's, a traditional yoghurt based drink. Mowgli has 4 flavours on offer and I can recommend the Mango. An interesting part to the menu is the Tiffin box for one, priced at £12 and described as "food roulette, total pot luck" - the chef chooses 4 dishes for you.


 PLACES TO DRINK

 Liverpool's bar and club scene is thriving, new places pop up constantly and there is something for every night of the week, pre-match and post-match.

 To enjoy an afternoon before heading to Anfield to watch a game, you can't go far wrong with the Bierkeller - 3 bars within a bar; Around the World in 80 Beers, Shooters Bar and The Barvarian Bierkeller.  During the daytime the Shooters Bar is an ideal place to wile away the hours with it's relaxed and casual atmosphere, live sport channels throughout the day and pool tables, table football and video games. Drinks prices are on par with the rest of the city, beer bottles start from £2.00 and pints from £3.30. There is also a football themed burger menu, featuring 'The Gerrard' and 'The Big Dunc' amongst others.

 If you're headed on a night out in the city, looking to (hopefully) celebrate a win O'Neills is the place to start. An Irish pub on the corner of Wood Street and Hanover Street and always busy during evenings, particularly when Liverpool are playing at home. Television screens are placed around the pub so you can catch highlights from the game you've just seen and from others. From O'Neills, Liverpool is your oyster! 

 Wood Street leads up towards tequila bar Cava (well worth a quick stop if only for a look at the array of film posters on display - and a taste of their one-of-a-kind baked bean tequila) and also consists of a couple of nightclubs, further up and to the right you can also find Concert Square. A good place to sit outside on warm nights, the square is surrounded by clubs and bars with one large communal outside area with benches and high-rise tables to sit at. 

 A personal favourite of mine for a night out is relatively new bar, Empire. Although the door staff can be quite strict with enforcing a dress code - trainers are not acceptable here. Empire is a stylish bar, located on Seel Street with a great cocktail menu including the brilliantly named 'Tequila Mockingbird' and 'The Dark Rum Rises'. The highlight of Empire is its outside area, heated year-round and with a relaxed easygoing vibe, this is a bar where you and your friends can choose to dance inside or have a conversation outside. 

 After you've had a couple of drinks and you just want to dance, it's usually time to head towards a nightclub. Enter: Level! Level is perfectly situated amongst the bars already mentioned in this guide, half way up Fleet Street and less than a 5-minute walk from O'Neills and Empire. There are three levels: level 1 is open first and is the only floor open until the club starts to fill up around midnight, when all three floors are open level 1 plays dance and house music, level 2 r'n'b and level 3 pop. On the weekend the club remains open until 4am.


 THINGS TO DO

 If your trip to watch Liverpool means you are in the city for a few days, there are a wide variety of sightseeing options and activities no matter the weather. 

 The first stop for any Liverpool supporter has to be the stadium tour and museum at Anfield. Tours are available on match days however I believe are cut short and would also imagine the museum would be quite busy, if you have the opportunity to go the day before or after I would recommend this instead. The tour starts at the Bill Shankly statue, takes you through the press room, allows you to have a look inside the team changing room and touch the famous This Is Anfield sign before taking your place in the dugout having walked out the tunnel. 

 After the tour head inside to check out the club museum which features artifacts from Liverpool's long and illustrious history - from the 5 European Cups, league title winning medals and, the most recent addition, the Women's Super League trophy. 

 Back in the city and down at the Pier Head there are a number of museums and art galleries to keep you busy during the day. The Museum of Liverpool has a large football section with memorabilia from both Liverpool and Everton while the Maritime Museum tells the history of Liverpool as a port, including the part it played in the creation of the Titanic. Both museums are within easy walking distance of each other, a 15-minute walk from the city centre. While in the area you could also take the 'Ferry Cross The Mersey' and have a walk around the Albert Dock, which is dotted with cafes and restaurants and even a modern art gallery - the Tate!

 Liverpool also has a great outdoor shopping centre, Liverpool One. This opened in 2008 and features all the best-known high street brands, the top floor also has an array of chain restaurants with everything from Wagamamas to Nandos alongside an Odeon cinema and a crazy golf course - Jungle Rumble. 

 A short walk from Liverpool One you can find the city's two cathedrals - The Anglican (Church of England) and The Metropolitan (Catholic). On a clear day the views from the top of the Anglican across the city are superb, looking out towards the River Mersey you can see all the way to the mountains of Wales on a good day! The Metropolitan is more modern looking than the Anglican, yet also worth a visit to have a look at the beautiful stained glass windows. 

 Finally it wouldn't be a guide to Liverpool if The Beatles didn't pop up at some point! If you're a fan of the band there is no end to things to see and do around the city centre and its outer areas, the best way to see the majority of The Beatles attractions would be to book onto the Magical Mystery Tour for a 2-hour trip that begins at the Albert Dock and takes you to both Strawberry Field and Penny Lane. 

 Liverpool Ladies

 Regular followers of this blog will be more than aware of Liverpool Ladies recent successes, in 2013 the club that had finished bottom of the Women's Super League in their first two years was overhauled by new manager Matt Beard and his team - who replaced almost all of the starting 11. In the two years since Liverpool have topped the table, bringing silverware and Champions League football to the club for the first time in their history.

 Amongst their ranks are captain and England international Gemma Bonner, all-time record England caps holder and influential midfielder Fara Williams, goal machine and club top scorer Natasha Dowie and new signing, Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala. 

 The womens season runs from March - October, with Liverpool competing on 4 fronts - the league, FA Cup, Continental Cup and Champions League. Tickets are priced at only £5 per game for adults, concessions £2.50.

 Liverpool Ladies currently play their home games at Select Stadium, Widnes - 20-minute train journey from Liverpool or 40 minutes on the bus. I can wholeheartedly recommend the football that the women play, we have some fantastic, great to watch internationals along with talented youth players coming through the ranks and benefitting from the clubs turnaround a couple of years ago. 


 Thank you for reading this guide to Liverpool! It is by no means definitive; the city has so much to offer to visitors. If you have any questions about any places mentioned here, or you want even more suggestions don't hesitate to contact me on @LFCladiesfans and I hope to see you at a Liverpool Ladies game soon!

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 1 - 0 Everton Ladies

 Tonight seen Liverpool Ladies take on Everton Ladies in their fourth pre-season friendly, Natasha Dowie scored the only goal of the game in the second-half as she captained the reds in Gemma Bonner's absence.

 Liverpool were without a number of first-team players with England U23 trio Satara Murray, Ashley Hodson and Martha Harris unavailable for selection having arrived back from La Manga earlier today, Katie Zelem and Mollie Green with England U19s, captain Gemma Bonner and Fara Williams both with the seniors at the Cyrpus Cup and Katrin Omarsdottir away with Iceland at the Algarve Cup.

Mike Price / Liverpool Echo

 This gave an opportunity to more development squad players to make the step up to the first-team with Kess Elmore making her debut during the second-half and Olivia Fuller amongst the substitutes.

 Starting in goal for Liverpool was no.1 Libby Stout, making her first start of 2015. Ingrid Ryland retained her place at right-back, Becky Easton and Emilie Revitt in the centre of defence and Corina Schroder on the left. Hannah Dale played in the centre of midfield with an attacking front five ahead of her in Asisat Oshoala, Nicole Rolser, Line Smorsgard, Kate Longhurst and Natasha Dowie ahead of her.

 Everton also had a number of players away on international duty, most notably their two recent acquisitions from Liverpool with Claudia Walker and Ellie Stewart both away with England. Megan Alexander did start however for the blues, putting in an impressive shift at left-back and playing an important part at the back.

 Getting the action underway, Everton passed straight back to their defence before lobbing a long ball forward for their striker to chase but the assistant referees flag was up for offside.

Mike Walsh / Liverpool Echo

 It was in fact the blues who looked sharper of the two teams during the opening stages, despite this Liverpool had a couple of early chances; first Natasha Dowie held the ball well, backing into the Everton defender to play in Kate Longhurst on the left - Longhurst crossed to Smorsgard and the ball went out for a corner. A good delivery from Corina Schroder met the head of Longhurst but the header was blocked, Emilie Revitt sent the ball back forwards seconds later for Line Smorsgard to send an audacious effort inches away from the top right corner.

 Everton soon turned the pressure on the reds, Libby Stout collecting the first cross which was sent back in and cleared by Ingrid Ryland for an Everton corner. Despite having three consecutive the toffees could not create a clear goal scoring opportunity and the ball was eventually well headed away by Becky Easton.

 Liverpool were attempting to try and play the ball around and patiently build up their attack, Line Smorsgard enjoyed her best performance in a Liverpool shirt and was constantly moving linking the midfield to the attack, drawing fouls and being unlucky not to find herself on the score sheet - particularly during the first 30 minutes.

Mike Walsh / Liverpool Echo

 It was then the reds turn to have a couple of corners in quick succession, Hannah Dale is the set piece extraordinaire for the development squad and again proved to be impressive from dead ball situations tonight; Dale's first corner was sent out for another after Oshoala seen a shot blocked and the second almost fell kindly to Natasha Dowie.

 Captain for the night Dowie and Liverpool would have to wait until the second-half to open the scoring, Liverpool coming out for the second 30 minutes with a renewed energy and Maz Pacheco coming of for Corina Schroder at left-back.

 Liverpool crept closer and closer to opening the scoring with Dowie at the heart of every attack, a powerful charge from Smorsgard ended with a through ball to Dowie on the edge of the area - the defender just getting there to clear. The reds no.9 then showcased her skills out wide, taking on the Everton centre-back and getting the better of her to send a cross in - this went straight across the face of goal, falling to Pacheco who won a corner from which Dowie saw a shot saved from close range.

 Nicole Rolser was also denied the chance to open the scoring when ex-Liverpool defender Megan Alexander got back to clear her goal bound strike off the line.

 Natasha Dowie finally opened the scoring for Liverpool on 42 minutes, a great ball into the box from Hannah Dale first connected with Asisat Oshoala but fell to Dowie; her first header blocked and falling to her feet, from which she made no mistake within the 6-yard box and continued her pleasing trend of scoring against her former club.

Mike Walsh / Liverpool Echo

 The goal would be the only strike of the game, as Liverpool comfortably seen out the victory with Becky Easton providing a solid display at centre-back alongside Emilie Revitt. Kess Elmore was introduced as a substitute during the second-half, coming on for Hannah Dale.

 While there would be no more goals, Liverpool did provide supporters with a wonderful passage of play. Oshoala dummied Ingrid Ryland's forward pass, this reached Natasha Dowie on the half way line who tapped the ball back into the path of Oshoala. Rolser made the run forward on the right wing, Oshoala playing her in, getting 25 yards out from goal herself and receiving the return pass but seeing her shot blocked by the defence.

The final action of the game seen a speculative long-range effort from an Everton midfielder sail over Libby Stout's crossbar.

 Kess Elmore was introduced as a substitute during the second-half, coming on for Hannah Dale.

 XI Stout, Ryland, Easton, Revitt, Schroder (Pacheco), Dale (Elmore), Oshoala, Rolser, Smorsgard, Longhurst, Dowie (C)

 POTM: Becky Easton

 Next up for Liverpool Ladies they welcome Doncaster Belles to Select Stadium next Saturday 14th March, 7pm kick off for their final pre-season friendly before beginning the campaign with a yet-to-be-drawn FA Cup tie on Sunday 22nd March.

 Over the next couple of weeks a number of Liverpool players will be involved in international action, you can follow the results with this blog here which will be updated as games are played.

 @LFCladiesfans

Liverpool's Internationals

 Over the last couple of weeks a number of Liverpool Ladies have been away with their country, below you can find a full list of results, match reports and video highlights (where available).

 England - Fara Williams, Gemma Bonner

 England U23 - Martha Harris, Satara Murray, Ashley Hodson

 England U19 - Mollie Green, Katie Zelem

 England U17 - Mayumi Pacheco, Kess Elmore

 Iceland - Katrin Omarsdottir

 FIXTURES

26/02/2015   England U23 3 - 1 Sweden   Match Report / Video Highlights   La Manga Tournament

 > Ashley Hodson and Satara Murray made their international debuts as England U23s comfortably beat Sweden 3-1. Martha Harris also started and was subbed off after 70 minutes.

Watch the full game here. 

28/02/2015   England U23 v China   *MATCH CANCELLED*     La Manga Tournament

02/03/2015   England U23 1 - 2 USA   Video Highlights     La Manga Tournament

04/03/2015   England 3 - 1 Finland   Match Report     Cyprus Cup

 > Fara Williams captained England to a 3-1 win in their opening game of the Cyprus Cup, reds captain Gemma Bonner also started at centre-back and was sent off late in the game.

04/03/2015   Iceland 0 - 2 Switzerland     Algarve Cup

 > Katrin Omarsdottir did not feature* as Iceland were beaten by two second-half Lara Dickenmann strikes.

05/03/2015   England U19 3 - 1 Italy     La Manga Tournament

06/03/2015   England 3 - 0 Australia   Match Report / Video Highlights     Cyprus Cup

06/03/2015   Iceland 0 - 1 Norway     Algarve Cup

07/03/2015   England U19 0 - 0 Sweden     La Manga Tournament

09/03/2015   England 1 - 1 Holland   Match Report / Video Highlights    Cyprus Cup

09/03/2015   England U19 1 - 0 Denmark     La Manga Tournament

Mollie Green scored her first international goal in England's 1-0 win over Denmark.

09/03/2015   Iceland 0 - 0 USA     Algarve Cup

11/03/2015   England U17 0 - 1 Spain     Friendly

11/03/2015   England 1 - 0 Canada   Video Highlights     Cyprus Cup 

*Katrin Omarsdottir did not feature for Iceland during the tournament.

@LFCladiesfans

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 1 Yeovil Town Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies suffered their first defeat of 2015 at home to Yeovil Town Ladies this afternoon, losing 1-0.

 Liverpool were missing a number of players meaning they had just 3 named substitutes for the game, Martha Harris, Satara Murray and Ashley Hodson were all away with England U23s and Katrin Omarsdottir was also absent.

 Danielle Gibbons once again started in goal with Ingrid Ryland, Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner and Corina Schroder making up the defence in front of her. Katie Zelem returned to partner Fara Williams in midfield, Natasha Dowie up front and Asisat Oshoala, Kate Longhurst and Nicole Rolser making up the starting 11.

 From kick off it was clear that Yeovil were setting out to match the twice Women's Super League champions, Kate Longhurst's early run down the left wing was mirrored by Yeovil seconds later - Ingrid Ryland getting back to cover and intercept before the winger could get a cross in and Gemma Bonner clearing the danger.

 Asisat Oshoala was a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes, attacking down the left wing one minute and charging down the right the next. Oshoala constantly looks for a teammate to pass or cross to once clearing the opposition defence and with more game time together Liverpool should begin to reap the benefits of her pace and ability to skip past defenders.

 Yeovil almost took the lead during the first-half, a cross coming into the box from the left and the striker's header seeming to be destined for the top corner only for a fingertips save from Danielle Gibbons to send the ball out for a corner. Gibbons also reacted quickly later in the first half to punch away from a Yeovil free kick, hurting herself in the process and requiring treatment on the pitch.

 The home side had their fair share of chances over the course of the game, hitting the crossbar no less than three times - the first coming after Fara Williams let a ferocious strike go from 30 yards, taking a deflection and earning the reds a corner which was almost scrambled over the line but eventually ended in the hands of the keeper.

 Natasha Dowie was the second reds player to hit the crossbar - again the shot was deflected, earning a corner and Gemma Bonner's header went out for another corner. Dowie then almost set up Oshoala whose shot was blocked back to the no.9 who played in Bonner again who seen two strikes blocked.

 Liverpool seemed to be creeping closer and closer to opening the scoring as the first half drew to a close, one impressive play seen the reds counter quickly with Fara Williams intercepting the Yeovil attack and setting Dowie off down the wing. Corina Schroder overlapped her run but the German's cross was blocked with Dowie just missing out on connecting with the rebound.

 The second-half continued much the same way, both sides defending well and attacking. Becky Easton made a number of her trademark sliding tackles while Gemma Bonner had a couple of important blocks.

 The home side looked most likely to score in a busy spell at the beginning of the second-half, Ingrid Ryland almost setting up Katie Zelem with a cutting through ball down the middle and Natasha Dowie turning well from a Corina Schroder cross but closed down well before she could get a shot in.

 A goal finally came and unluckily for the reds it was for their visitors, an unfortunately conceded corner was met well by substitute Amy Wathan who headed home the only goal of the game.

  It was Oshoala who had Liverpool's greatest chance of the game, set up by Fara Williams the reds no.14 neatly tried to chip the ball around the oncoming keeper yet seen the ball bounce agonisingly just inches wide. Late in the second-half Nicole Rolser also completed Liverpool's hat trick of hitting the crossbar.

 Line Smorsgard and Maz Pacheco were both introduced in the second-half as Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, replacing Kate Longhurst and Corina Schroder on the left side of the pitch.

 As disappointing as it is to lose credit must be given when it is due and Yeovil fought to the final whistle for the win, defending brilliantly. Pete Amos is building a great team that will challenge for one of two promotion spots in this year's WSL2, best of luck to them.

 Despite the defeat it's important to also look at the positives that Liverpool can take from the afternoon, the introduction of Mayumi Pacheco on 80 minutes provided a spark on the left wing and the 16-year old continues to impress. Pacheco only made her debut for the development squad in November and then for the first team in the home friendly against Aston Villa, yet with charging forward runs and interchanging passing with Line Smorgard and Fara Williams the youth player does not look out of place amongst the senior squad.

 Asisat Oshoala also looks to be an immense acquisition to the strong Liverpool squad, her movement on and off the ball is good and her pace and stamina late in the game in tough conditions unrivalled. Oshoala looked the player on the pitch most likely to do something special for Liverpool, with a nod also to Natasha Dowie who looked sharp - particularly during the opening 45 minutes, chasing everything down in the opposition half and holding the ball up well.

 XI Gibbons, Ryland, Easton, Bonner (C), Schroder (Pacheco), Williams, Zelem, Oshoala, Rolser, Longhurst (Smorsgard), Dowie

 POTM Asisat Oshoala

 The development squad also fell to their first loss of the 2014/15 season in what sounded like horrendous weather conditions in the North East; losing 2-0 at half-time in the cup away at Sunderland but pulling a goal back in the second-half through debutant Tash Rothery for the tie to finish 2-1. Dev squad XI: Darbyshire, Wild, Beckwith (C) (Rothery), Revitt, Fuller, Rumsey, Dale, Taylor (also making her debut), Davenport, Green, Donoghue.

 Finally I'm excited to be able to tell you that I have secured a 4-week work placement during the summer with Boston Breakers in the NWSL, I'm so grateful for the opportunity and although I will miss a couple of Liverpool Ladies games @LFCladiesfans is going nowhere and I will continue to provide as many updates as possible from across the pond!

 Thanks for reading, Heather

MATCH REPORT: Derby County Ladies 0 - 8 Liverpool Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies continued their pre-season with an 8-0 thrashing of Derby County away from home last night, the relentless reds putting in a good team performance despite poor pitch conditions.

 Danielle Gibbons started in goal once again with Martha Harris at right-back, Corina Schroder on the left and new signing Satara Murray partnering Gemma Bonner at centre-back for the first time.

 In midfield Hannah Dale started alongside Fara Williams, Kate Longhurst, Asisat Oshoala and Nicole Rolser ahead of them just behind striker Natasha Dowie.

 This match had been arranged as part of Derby County's 25th anniversary celebrations however from the opening whistle Liverpool looked out to spoil the party; attacking predominantly down the left wing with Corina Schroder in fine form, in the early stages of the game Schroder seen two crosses headed away.

 Despite Liverpool's dominance, Derby were proving tough to break down with their goalkeeper particularly keeping the reds at bay and twice denying Natasha Dowie at close range. Asisat Oshoala played Dowie in for a third time, this time the shot looked to be going in but took a slight deflection and the referee gave a goal kick.

 Liverpool broke the deadlock 10 minutes in after a slew of chances, Martha Harris playing a neat low ball into the box for Kate Longhurst to latch onto and smash her first goal of pre-season into the roof of the net.

 Longhurst almost set up Nicole Rolser seconds later only to find the keeper just beating the incoming reds no.11 to the ball.

 Satara Murray had made her Liverpool debut a couple of weeks earlier in the home friendly against Aston Villa, marking the occasion with a thumping header and impressing supporters with her strength.

 Murray once again produced in this match, playing the full 90 minutes; during the first half holding off the Derby no.9 to turn and play the ball out from the back, then when the striker did seem to skip past the reds defender Murray recovered well to get back and clear. This was perhaps the one occasion during the match that Derby looked most likely to score, the ball being launched back into the box and blocked first by Gemma Bonner before Corina Schroder won possession back for Liverpool.

 Moments before Liverpool doubled their lead the Rams once again charged forward, Danielle Gibbons doing well to come off her line and save before the striker could get their shot in but the linesman had called offside regardless.

 Fifteen minutes after the opening goal, Fara Williams scored a fantastic effort from 25-yards out to double the reds lead and almost added an identical second minutes later.

  It was soon 3-0; Williams playing a short corner to Martha Harris, back to Williams who sent the ball towards Bonner on the edge of the box, Bonner sent the ball forward to Nicole Rolser just outside the 6-yard box and Rolser poked the ball over the line.

 Another player who impressed over the course of the first-half was development squad midfielder Hannah Dale, Dale linked well with her midfield partner Fara Williams as the latter's ball over the top of the Derby defence almost ended at Dale's feet and the young midfielder almost scored a similar strike to Williams' but seen her strike hit the crossbar.

 Liverpool made two substitutions at half-time, Libby Stout replacing Danielle Gibbons in goal and Ingrid Ryland coming in for Martha Harris at right-back.

 Hannah Dale started the second-half as brightly as she finished the first, picking up on Gemma Bonner's clearance to set Ryland off on a run down the right wing and getting herself into a position to receive the ball back 30 yards out from goal, the Derby defence closing in however and Dale was unable to get a shot in.

 Natasha Dowie had seen a couple of shots in the first 45 saved well by the Derby keeper and was once again evaded early in the second; Gemma Bonner making a charging run forward and passing low to the waiting Dowie outside the box, Dowie turned well and shot but the keeper was there to deny her.

 Dowie would still find herself involved in a slight flurry of action soon afterwards, a great cross into the box from Corina Schroder was turned into the back of the net by Liverpool's top scorer for the 4th goal of the evening. The no.9 then turned provider twice, an inch-perfect cross landing at the feet of Schroder who finished well with her left foot to make it 5-0.

 For the 6th goal and shortly before being substituted for Ashley Hodson, Dowie crossed the ball low from the right for Fara Williams to score her second and Liverpool's 6th.

 Matt Beard made a number of second-half substitutions, Katrin Omarsdottir coming on for Hannah Dale, Becky Easton replacing Gemma Bonner at centre-back and Line Smorsgard making her debut coming on for goal scorer Nicole Rolser.

 Smorsgard almost found the back of the net immediately with a cheeky backheel from inside the 6-yard box but wouldn't have to wait long until opening her Liverpool goalscoring account, fellow new signing Asisat Oshoala once again exploiting the right wing and crossing the ball in for Smorsgard to make no mistake from yards out.

 Ashley Hodson has scored 17 goals for the development squad in their season so far and looked confident in the time she got on the pitch during the second-half, comfortably beating the Derby right-back by the corner flag to attempt to cross the ball, the defender getting the block in and Liverpool winning a corner.

 Kate Longhurst would cap the confident Liverpool display shortly before full-time with perhaps the finest goal of the evening - volleying the 8th strike into the top left corner from inside the box.

 8 goals scored by 5 different players, goals from defence, midfield and upfront coupled with a clean sheet made this a very exciting game to watch for supporters, next up for Liverpool they face Yeovil at home on Sunday 22nd February, 2pm kick off.

 XI Gibbons (Stout), Harris (Ryland), Bonner (C)(Easton), Murray, Schroder, Williams, Dale (Omarsdottir), Oshoala, Rolser (Smorsgard), Longhurst, Dowie (Hodson)

 POTM Fara Williams

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