Liverpool's rebuild begins with Leighanne Robe

Since the end of the 2017/18 Women's Super League season no fewer than nine first team players have departed Liverpool along with manager Scott Rogers.

For supporters of the Reds each departure was a blow. Following a brief respite, as Neil Redfern was announced as Scott's replacement and news trickled through of a positive fan panel, came the knock out - long serving captain Gemma Bonner had also left.

Social media over the last few weeks has been a minefield, with disappointed supporters at every turn. From loyal fans of the club there was nothing but well wishes for those moving on, bittersweet though it may have been.

Today however marks the start of a new era at Liverpool. The first signing of Neil's reign announced as Millwall captain Leighanne Robe, an experienced 24-year old centre half who has also spent time at Arsenal and Watford.

Having not seen much of Leighanne on the pitch, my first thought and port of call was Millwall supporter Dion Farnes, who has seen the majority of their games over the last few years, to get the low down on our number three and all the important stats - such as her first goal for Millwall coming against none other than Everton! You can watch and enjoy that header here - Leighanne goal against Everton.

For the Lionesses Leighanne made 42 appearances, scoring twice. She started each of those games without being subbed off and only missed two games during her time in London.

With the Reds needing clear reinforcements across the field, supporters will be happy to hear that Leighanne is "a solid, reliable and consistent player" who "reads the game very well", "loves a tackle and physically strong, rarely injured and has great stamina".

Dion says that the centre half is usually the first name on the team sheet, a dead ball specialist and a player that stands out on the pitch. 

Added to Neil's comments that Leighanne is comfortable in any position along the back line and a real leader on the pitch, Liverpool are certainly moving in the right direction and look to have bagged a real coup.

Welcome to Liverpool, Leighanne! Up the Reds. 

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 1 MANCHESTER CITY 0

LIVERPOOL Ladies defeated FA Women's Super League leaders and Champions League semi-finalists Manchester City 1-0 on Tuesday night.

In a performance that encapsulated what Liverpool as a football club represent the Reds dug deep and, in truth, could have won by a larger margin.

The general press will focus on City and their failure to win however it is Liverpool here who deserve all the credit, a game plan executed to perfection and a counter attacking prowess matched by resilient defending.

The Reds deserved all three points on the night, here is how the action unfolded...

In the pre-match programme Alex Greenwood spoke of how during the Merseyside derby a week earlier, it felt as though Liverpool "had a different energy and a bit of a buzz about us".

That energy clearly carried over into the clash against City with the Reds on the front foot from the opening whistle and Greenwood once more excelling in an advanced attacking role. The England international has been exceptional in a side that has struggled for consistency at times this season, despite being self-critical in the aforementioned programme. 

The exuberance from Liverpool and their willingness to move the ball quickly up the pitch almost seemed to take City by surprise; Caroline Weir nicking the ball from the feet of Nikita Parris in the second minute, allowing Bethany England an early shot on target with an effort deflected into the arms of goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.

Back-to-back set pieces from the visitors also in the opening minutes were both unflinchingly batted away, the second seeing Satara Murray waltz out from the back with the ball and leading to Niamh Charles almost picking out the run of Kate Longhurst.

If back-to-back set pieces were swiftly dealt with by the Reds in defence, this was then mirrored at the opposite end of the pitch.

Greenwood brought down outside the 18-yard box and Weir swinging in a free kick that went out for a corner.

The corner played short and winding back at the feet of Greenwood who played an inch-perfect cross to England who rose above everyone to head the ball into the back of the net.

Convincingly ahead and showing no signs of letting up, England very nearly netted a second after a thrilling move from Greenwood and Weir. The ball initially looking to be a step behind the Scot yet expertly flicked wide to Greenwood without a backwards glance, Greenwood providing a low cross to England who was denied by Bardsley.

City were ruffled and their attacks spurned at every turn; Gemma Bonner and Sophie Ingle proving unbeatable in the heart of the defence, Martha Harris in the way of a throw-in from Esme Morgan and Laura Coombs preventing Jill Scott from registering a shot on target.

To single out players, particularly during the first half, for praise almost seems unfair on the team efforts yet Murray and Harris on either wing impressed and were responsible for restricting City's chances. Each winning every ball they contested and being quick to move it on and start the roving forward marches from the Reds attack.

The catalyst to the Reds counter attacking play throughout was the excellent Coombs, continually box-to-box and providing the link between defence and attack helped by her equally eye-catching midfield colleagues. Longhurst the steel ahead of the back four and Weir the flair playing behind England.

As the game approached the midway stage it was Liverpool who looked more likely to score again, Coombs finding England who in turn picked out Charles. The young attacker, who has been greatly missed through injury throughout the season, chested the ball down inside the area but was instantly dispossessed before being able to volley it home. 

Coombs then created chaos in the area with a set piece delivery that pinged around before eventually being hooked clear by Jennifer Beattie and City ended the half with, what felt like and could possibly have been, their first real chance as Parris struck the side netting. 

As expected the visitors came out swinging in the second half and made two changes within 15 minutes in a bid to mix things up.

These Reds however continued as they had ended the first half; Greenwood twice seeing crosses cleared, Coombs' strike from 30-yard narrowly over the crossbar and England nearly teeing up Weir only for Morgan to get the slightest of touches to push the ball away. 

Liverpool also continued to defend immensely against the growing City frustrations. Harris intercepting a cross from Nadim and Murray also denying the Dane from finding a team mate minutes later.

While City began to throw everything at the game, the Reds defended immensely. Longhurst winning each of her battles, headers against the towering Scott and, later, throwing herself in front of a dangerous ball from Stokes.

In the final minutes Liverpool faced an onslaught with everyone dropping back to stop City grabbing an undeserved equaliser - Murray and Longhurst winning possession from Claire Emslie and Georgia Stanway respectively, substitute Amy Rodgers powerfully heading away Stanway's cross and England back in defence to deny Steph Houghton.

The list goes on and on; Ingle thwarted Parris as she had when the two met last month in England and Wales World Cup qualifier, a previously quiet Siobhan Chamberlain in the Liverpool goal brilliantly saving one corner and strongly catching another and Ingle once more heading clear under pressure from Beattie and Jane Ross.

In added time Houghton had the chance to steal a point with a free kick right at the edge of the area yet stepped up to send it high.

At the final whistle a great roar went up from the proud Liverpool supporters, the winning feeling that much more sweeter being that the Reds haven't beaten Manchester City in four years and signalling that this team can not ever be counted out. The players soaked up the applause and will take this confidence into the final two games of the season - away at Reading on Saturday and back at Prenton Park to take on likely league champions Chelsea on Sunday 20 May. 

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 1 EVERTON LADIES 1

Hello followers of @LFCladiesfans, it's been a while since I wrote my own report on a game and the people (one person) have been asking for them. So here we go...

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Liverpool Ladies will be disappointed to come away from Sunday's Merseyside derby with just one point and just one goal, Laura Coombs' second half strike cancelled out by Jodie Brett's equaliser.

The Reds had a second goal disallowed, Caroline Weir impressively beating Kirstie Levell with a left-footed set piece yet the referee appeared to pull it back for a foul in the build up.

To say Liverpool were on top from the opening whistle would be an understatement, they restricted their visitors to just two clear cut chances. First Chloe Kelly heading a cross from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah over the crossbar and then former Reds midfielder Mollie Green also firing over from range.

Despite the lack of action the Reds defence remained alert, Satara Murray on hand to steer Dan Turner away from goal early on and Siobhan Chamberlain swiftly collecting a deflected pass that Kelly attempted to chase.

Liverpool were eye-catching going forward, in the first half doing everything but putting the ball in the back of the net. The superb Alex Greenwood excelling in a more advanced attacking role, supporting Bethany England up front and being instrumental as the Reds pushed and probed the Blues back line.

Greenwood had the first chance of the game, the ball falling to her at wide of the box and her strike whizzing past the post from a tight angle.

Scotland international Caroline Weir also produced arguably one of her best performances of the season, threatening on more than one occasion to provide the 1,446 supporters in attendance with one of her specials. One strike inches wide and another well-held by Levell.

The Reds visibly grew with confidence throughout the first half with the crowd willing them on. 

Greenwood won a corner that bobbled around in the box before Weir struck a stinging effort at goal. The strike on target yet deflected out for another set piece that saw Greenwood shoot wide.

Before the break Liverpool hit the woodwork twice, Bethany England the first to do so after being put through by Weir then captain Gemma Bonner watching as Levell pushed her on-target header onto the post.

Barely a minute after the restart however the Reds were on the front foot, Everton's defence initially clearing but the magnificent Coombs arriving to drive the ball home from just inside the area.

Then it was almost two, Martha Harris and Greenwood combining to tee up Weir - her shot ending up on the roof of the net. 

Shortly after Weir's free kick wound up in the back of the net, the Reds celebrating before the referee ruled it out for an alleged foul in the build up.

From here it Everton began to threaten, enjoying a series of passes and going close first through a set piece that was headed clear by Harris.

The Blues got their equaliser following a corner, a goal mouth scramble seeing Brett poke the ball over the line.

Niamh Charles made a welcome return from injury and Ali Johnson also came from the bench as Liverpool looked to edge themselves back ahead. Both substitutes impacting immediately on the goal, Charles a second too late to meet a cross from Greenwood at the back post and having a strike from outside the box saved by Levell.

For Johnson her first touch forced an immense block from Gabby George - what seemed like a sure game winner closed down just yards from goal. Minutes later Johnson also ended on the end of a ball in from Greenwood - tapping it across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. 

Liverpool continued to throw everything they had at the Blues - Charles even hitting the post in the dying seconds to make it a hat trick of chances striking the woodwork - but were ultimately unable to net a winner.

The Reds will face Manchester City and Chelsea at home in the run in to the end of the season, with an away trip to Reading on 12th May.

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As a side note, I'm really proud to be working with the club on social and digital media - one reason for the decrease in content on this page and across the social media channels. I'm still the biggest Reds supporter and love every minute of following, supporting and working with this team. Up the Reds! 

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 8 YEOVIL TOWN LADIES 0

LIVERPOOL Ladies enjoyed a storming start to 2018 on Saturday evening as they put Yeovil Town Ladies to the sword. The unrelenting Reds put eight past their visitors from the South West with on-loan forward Bethany England scoring four.

The other goals were shared between Caroline Weir, Jess Clarke and Laura Coombs plus an own goal from Yeovil defender Ann-Marie Heatherson who turned a cross from Weir into her own net.

On an evening with many highlights it was perhaps the biggest of nights for Amy Turner. The Liverpool defender signed from Notts County during the Spring Series and having spent 15 months on the sidelines injured, was named amongst the substitutes and came from the bench to a great reception to mark her comeback.

England led the line for the Reds supported by Ashley Hodson and Clarke, Weir and Coombs were joined in midfield by Sophie Ingle and the largely untroubled defence consisted of Alex Greenwood, Casey Stoney, Gemma Bonner and Martha Harris with Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.

Despite the one-sided scoreline Yeovil had defended well in the opening stages of the FA Women's Super League tie, in the opening ten minutes alone both Weir and Clarke were denied by Glovers goalkeeper Megan Walsh. Clarke dazzling as she skipped past several players, exchanging passes and then seeing her final shot pushed around the post.

The visitors also showed promise going forwards however Nadia Lawrence found herself dispossessed deep in the Reds half by England, who had tracked back and won the ball.

Liverpool continued to look dangerous as they grafted to find the opening goal. Coombs in particular a stand out, especially during the opening twenty minutes of the half, controlling the tempo from the middle and encouraging the full backs to press high up the pitch.

Coombs played an excellent ball that picked out the run of Harris who in turn looped a cross in towards the 6-yard box yet Walsh came off her line to punch clear.

Moments later the Reds broke the deadlock, Yeovil's Heatherson unfortunate as she stuck a leg out in an attempt to clear a cross from Weir that ended up in the back of her own net.

If the first goal could be considered unfortunate for the Glovers, the second was certainly scrappy for Liverpool.

Clarke had forced her way into the area and her shot deflected onto the knee of England who doubled the lead a yard from goal.

With five minutes to go until the break England added a third, latching onto Ingle's superb through ball and closing in on goal. Just when it looked like the defender had got back in time to block any effort, England dragged the ball back onto her right foot and slid a cool finish under Walsh. 

On the stroke of half time Chamberlain was called into her first action of the game, Gemma Evans free kick initially striking the wall yet falling back to her. Evans then struck a fierce drive at goal which Chamberlain did well to get down and smother, preventing the visitors from pulling a goal back.

Out for the second half there was no let up from the Reds, Clarke striking the post with the first attack and Weir further extending the lead with the second.

It was a trademark left-footed wonder goal from outside the area from Weir that made it four-nil. The Scottish international exchanging passes with Coombs and Ingle before turning away from her marker and firing the ball home without even looking up.

From Weir's goal on 51 minutes the Reds scored four goals in nine minutes; England completing her hat trick with a cheeky chip over Walsh, Clarke tapping the ball over the line from close range and England converting a pass from Greenwood in the 60th minute. 

The Reds had barely stopped for a breather, leaving Yeovil stunned and the scoreline at a whopping seven-nil.

Following her fourth goal of the night England was substituted to a rousing reception, replaced by Kate Longhurst. Liverpool's no.7 making her 50th league appearance for Liverpool Ladies and almost marking it with a goal of her own - a left-footed shot just wide of the post.

Turner also replaced Stoney with twenty minutes to play, making her welcome debut for the club after a long fifteen months out injured.

The scoring wasn't over for the night as goal number eight was scored by Reds number eight, Coombs capping her fine performance with a deserved goal - Clarke with the assist.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Harris, Bonner (C), Stoney (Turner), Greenwood (Johnson), Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Hodson, Clarke, England (Longhurst)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Bethany England

MATCH REPORT: SUNDERLAND LADIES 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0

LIVERPOOL LADIES travelled to South Shields on Tuesday for their final game of the Continental Cup group stage against Sunderland Ladies.

Each side had already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Cup with this game due to decide who out of the two would take top spot in the group.

With both Niamh Charles and Ali Johnson away with England U20s, Reds boss Scott Rogers named a new face amongst the substitutes; Welsh youth international Cassia Pike who has made a blistering start to life for the club’s Development Squad after rising through the ranks at the RTC.

Aside from Pike there were just two changes to the Liverpool starting line-up that beat Aston Villa 5-1 before the international break, Siobhan Chamberlain returning in goal and Bethany England in for Charles.

Sunderland attacked from the kick off, giving Chamberlain an early touch of the ball as the Reds no.1 came swiftly off her line to collect a threatening cross.

Following this Liverpool took control, carving out numerous opportunities in the opening ten minutes alone with superb movement in the Black Cats half.

First Jess Clarke teed up Laura Coombs at the back post, Coombs making a great run into the box yet blazing her attempt over the crossbar.

Coombs was then almost in again, an eye-catching series of passes between Alex Greenwood, Ashley Hodson and England leading to the latter playing the ball into Coombs – this time the shot deflected out for a corner.

A third chance in as many minutes came as, forced back from a set piece, Greenwood found Sophie Ingle in space on the half way line. Taking her time to pick out her pass, Ingle sprayed the ball wide to Clarke who crossed into the area only for Rachael Laws to beat England to it.

This was to be the start of a busy evening for the former Liverpool goalkeeper, who helped the Reds to their first WSL1 title in 2013.

Against the run of play, and taking nothing away from Sunderland’s build up for their goal, the hosts took the lead. Another former Red and now-Sunderland captain Lucy Staniforth spinning a cross in for Bridget Galloway to head home her first goal for the club.

Last time here in the league just a few weeks earlier, the Reds found an instant response to going behind and went on to win 4-1.

In this cup tie however Laws was first to everything; England’s cross landing in the arms of the ‘keeper before either Clarke or Hodson could meet it, Clarke denied at point blank range following a set piece and both Hodson and England each seeing efforts saved before the break.

For the Black Cats, Galloway had two more chances to extend the lead before being substituted in the second half. Casey Stoney putting enough pressure on the striker to force her off-path and allowing Chamberlain to push her shot around the post and then almost being set up for a second by Staniforth only for the linesman to flag for offside.

As in the first half Chamberlain was again called into action early in the second, yet another former Liverpool player Ellie Stewart finding her centre-half partner Tori Williams with a free kick but the Reds ‘keeper intercepting.

A goal would continue to elude Liverpool, the introduction of Natasha Harding with half an hour to play merely leading to another set of saves from Laws.

Two minutes after entering the field a strike from Weir was deflected, landing at the feet of Harding whose shot was palmed away by Laws. Stoney, remaining high up the pitch following a corner, sent the ball back in only for Laws to again get in the way of Harding putting the Reds level.

This continued until the final whistle, Laws beating Harding to a bullet of a cross in from Greenwood and also reacting smartly to stop Weir’s neat flick crossing the line.

As Liverpool still looked to bag an equaliser, Pike was handed her first team debut by Rogers. The winger’s first involvement was to play a quick one-two with Coombs and then slide a pass in for Harding to chase, but once more – and you can probably guess this by now – Laws came off her line to scoop up the danger.

Despite a flurry of activity in the Sunderland box late on, Gemma Bonner the next player to have a header on target saved, the Reds couldn’t find a way past Laws.

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Thursday, 7^th December.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Fletcher, Bonner ©, Stoney, Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Hodson (Pike), England (Harding), Clarke

UNUSED SUBS: Flaherty, Harris, Longhurst, Rodgers

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs (/Rachael Laws)

An explanation

Hello followers of @LFCladiesfans,

I'm writing this blog post to firstly apologise for being somewhat absent over the last few weeks.

While travelling home from the last away trip to Sunderland I got a phone call telling me that my grandparents had been involved in a car accident and rushed to hospital.

Unfortunately my Grandad didn't recover and passed away in hospital on 11th November.

As you can imagine when I've not then been at football matches it's been a bit mad at home and whatnot, and so I took a step back from my blog and @LFCladiesfans social media accounts.

I never want to do half a job on my blog so that's why there's been no match reports or the like for the last few games, but now I'm back and we have two more games before the end of the year to look forward to.

Finally, if you'll indulge me I'd like to tell you about my Grandad. He was born James Patrick Carroll in Kiltimagh, Ireland and grew up on a farm with his Aunt, Uncle and younger brother.

When my Grandad turned 18 he moved to England, arriving in Liverpool in the 1950s where he met my Grandma.

They got engaged shortly before my Grandad took a job in New Zealand, there he was nicknamed Irish Jim and even trained with the All Blacks!

He sailed home from New Zealand across the Pacific Ocean, stopping at the Pitcairn Island and down the Panama canal.

Grandad wasn't done with travelling the world and a few years later took a job working in the Sudan! Here they nicknamed him the 'man with the pipe'.

When he eventually returned home to Liverpool and retired aged 61, he was approached by Ogdens Tobacco Company who asked him to join a team of tobacco testers - he always said this was his dream job!

My Grandad was always full of tales of his travels and of his childhood home in Ireland, he was also a Blue - would you believe it! He'd always tease me about the Reds if we weren't doing so well, but I learnt to give as good as I got.

The final time I visited my Grandad on the Friday night, he was asking me how Liverpool were getting on and I told him a lot better than Everton! He always had a big smile on his face, on that final night still laughing and joking about how I was a Red.

If I can live a life that's half as full as my Grandad's, I'll be happy.

MATCH REPORT: DURHAM WFC 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0 (LLFC WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES)

A defensive display from WSL2 outfit Durham Women prevented Liverpool Ladies from returning to Merseyside with all three points on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds were held to a goalless draw by the Wildcats however won 5-4 on penalties to earn a bonus point in the Continental Cup.

Scott Rogers made two changes to the team that beat Sunderland last weekend, Ashley Hodson and Laura Coombs in for Jess Clarke and Bethany England.

Throughout the game Liverpool dominated in possession yet were turned back at every turn by a Durham side set up to defend.

In the opening ten minutes alone Hodson’s shot was parried by Durham goalkeeper Helen Alderson to Laura Coombs who fired over and Gemma Bonner directed a Alex Greenwood delivery wide of the post.

Greenwood’s form in 2017 has been mightily impressive and she continually looked to be the difference today, a constant showing on the left. 

The England international waltzed past a couple of Durham shirts to cut in and thread a through ball for Tash Harding to chase, Alderson just beating the forward to it.

With Liverpool looking more and more likely to break the deadlock, Coombs sprayed a pass wide to Charles that was sent in first time towards Hodson yet Alderson - who was about to have a very busy afternoon - was off her line to collect.

Alderson was being kept busy at the other end, while Siobhan Chamberlain was to initially have a quiet afternoon. The Reds shot stopper first called into action in the 11th minute to scoop up a loose ball that got away from Hepple, yet otherwise seeing little of the play.

Part of this was down to the superb Satara Murray at right back, when Durham ventured forward they appeared to head down the right flank. Murray showing her strength on a couple of occasions to show the attacker wide and win back the ball.

As the half drew on it was Bonner that went closest to breaking the deadlock, a glancing header on the stroke of half time going wide following a set piece.

Before that the Reds had had a slew of chances; Caroline Weir trying her luck from 40-yards, Alderson again beating Hodson to a Charles cross, Harding denied by the ‘keeper after good work by Greenwood and Sophie Ingle and a Harding strike deflected out for a corner after the forward was set up by Hodson.

Liverpool’s lack of luck in front of goal continued into the second half as Durham’s defence were happy to sit back and frustrate.

With just over half an hour to play Greenwood’s fizzing strike from a tight angle bounced off the crossbar.

As Liverpool looked to shake things up in order to get the goal their performance deserved England replaced Hodson and Jess Clarke took to the pitch in place of Murray.

Unfortunately for the Reds Clarke picked up an injury shortly after coming on and Liverpool sent on Ali Johnson.

Before the referee blew for full time Liverpool threw all they could into attack, Greenwood basically playing left forward and Bonner also high up the pitch - only Casey Stoney remained in the Reds half keeping Chamberlain company.

A Greenwood cross with 15 minutes to play was cut back by England yet shot wide of the target by Coombs. 

Bonner also looked to tee up Charles in the closing stages but the busy Alderson smothered the strike, leaving the game to finish goalless and requiring penalties to be taken to decide which side took home the bonus point.

A tense penalty shoot out followed with sixteen takers in total. Durham’s early lead cancelled out as Coombs, England, Harding and Stoney each netted from the spot while the previously uninvolved Chamberlain impressed with a trio of saves.

Poised at 4-4 after Durham also sent one over the crossbar, Weir stepped up to convert the decisive spot kick and ensure the Reds returned with two points.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Murray (Clarke (Johnson)), Bonner (C), Stoney, Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Hodson (England), Charles, Harding