Another year, another league title for Matt Beard's Liverpool Ladies! In this blog I count down 10 2014 highlights, from Libby Stout's goalkeeping heroics all the way through to the unbelieveable final day of the season when Liverpool retained their WSL title against all odds.
Narrowly missing out on a place in the top 10: the host of first-team players extending their contracts with Liverpool into a 3rd year, Katie Zelem scoring the winning goal against Notts County with her first touch and the hard-fought win over Manchester City on the opening day of the season.
On twitter the majority of fans picked out Lucy Bronze's goal against Chelsea as their highlight, below you can see a video of the quick one-two on the edge of the 18-yard box with Gemma Davison before Bronze smashes the ball into the back of the net. Followers of Liverpool Ladies Fans on Twitter and Facebook also voted the now departed Bronze their Player of the Season, read more about her season and an interview I did with her here.
At the end of 2013 both Sarah Quantrill and Rachael Laws departed Liverpool for Millwall and Sunderland respectively, paving the way for new arrival Libby Stout. The American keeper settled quickly on Merseyside, her competitive debut away at Sunderland in The FA Cup setting the tone for her season with a highly impressive top corner save on the stroke of half-time.
Since her arrival Stout has continuously produced top class performances for the reds, keeping Liverpool in games with a fighting chance - Manchester City at home in the league, the 3-3 Arsenal draw and Linkoping away all spring to mind as ties in which Liverpool's no.1 provided save after save.
Libby also kept 9 clean sheets in her 18 appearances and has built a reputation as one of the leagues best goalkeepers, commanding her back line well and fearlessly coming out to clear the ball.
Becky Easton was voted by followers of this blog Player of the Season at the midway stage of the campaign and picked up the most votes in the official Liverpool end of season awards to be crowned Supporter's Player of the Year, an award thoroughly deserved as the defender produced her best season yet in the red of Liverpool.
To quote a voter from the mid-season review, Easton is "hard, passionate and scouse" and is a firm favourite amongst supporters due to her unrivalled determination to commit to tackles. Becky's performance of the year came in the 3-3 draw away at Arsenal, Liverpool came under heavy attack from the Gunners front line and Easton's resilience in defence meant the tie went all the way to the final whistle for the reds to pick up a much-need point in their hunt for the title.
8
Natasha Dowie's Sunderland hat-trick
Going into the Continental Cup game against Sunderland Ladies, Liverpool had failed to score in 3 games including the heartbreaking 2-0 FA Cup exit to Everton. Step forward Natasha Dowie, who produced a stunning hat-trick in the 6-0 win.
The first goal was a neat flick at the near post from a Fara Williams corner, minutes later Dowie doubled her tally with expert control at the edge of the 18-yard box before turning and smashing the ball past the hapless keeper. Completing her hat-trick in the second-half with another perfect finish (and the third assist from Williams), Dowie latched on to the forward pass and finished with ease with just one touch.
Liverpool announced last week that their no.9 and top scorer for the past 2 seasons had signed a contract extension and will be once again scoring goals in a red shirt in 2015.
7
Kate Longhurst's derby winner
In the 2 previous derbies in 2014, Liverpool had failed to score. The aforementioned FA Cup exit was followed by a 0-0 draw just days later in the Continental Cup despite a much more dominant performance from the reds.
July's derby seen Kate Longhurst immortalise herself at Liverpool by scoring the winning and only goal as the team picked up an important league victory.
Corina Schroder crossed the ball low from the left wing to the waiting Natasha Dowie on the edge of the area, Dowie pulled it back for Longhurst to hit it first time past Rachael Brown-Finnis in the Everton goal.
6
Fara Williams' winner away at Birmingham City
Having just conceded a late equaliser away at Birmingham City, Liverpool quickly reset themselves up for the restart with Gemma Bonner pulling a dejected Libby Stout up from the floor.
The despair was to be short lived, less than 30 seconds to be exact, as Fara Williams somehow lobbed the ball over Becky Spencer from the halfway line.
Watch the video of the goal above!
5
Gemma Davison's Arsenal equaliser & Nicole Rolser's return from injury
2-0 down within 10 minutes and 3-1 down shortly into the second half, Liverpool were 3-2 down and looked to have conceded their title as their penultimate game of the season ticked into the final minute of injury time. Cue a mazy Gemma Davison run culminating with a low finish under Arsenal keeper Emma Byrne. Liverpool supporters who had made the trip went crazy in the stands, Davison's equaliser giving the reds the slimmest of hopes going into the final day the following weekend at home to Bristol Academy.
The day was also a highlight as it marked the return of Nicole Rolser, a player who was hugely missed throughout the 2014 season. Rolser bagged Liverpool's second goal on the afternoon after coming on as a substitute and has since been building up her playing time with the Development Squad, she will be like a new signing come the start of the 2015 campaign.
4
Liverpool Ladies making their Champions League debut
Liverpool Football Club have a long, decorated history in European competition and Liverpool Ladies became part of that as they made their Champions League debut in October 2014.
Entering at the round of 32, Liverpool faced Swedish cup winners Linkopings FC. The 2 sides were well-matched and the opening game at home displayed some of the best football the reds played all year as they attacked and defended well in equal measure. Liverpool went ahead through Gemma Davison, Linkoping equalised before Natasha Dowie scored the winner to give the reds a debut win.
Unfortunately the second leg a week later was to be Liverpool's 4 game in 10 days and ultimately proved to be a step too far as they left the competition losing 4-2 on aggregate.
It was however fantastic to see Liverpool play in Europe and next year they will be experienced as they enter the competition for a second time.
3
The Development Squad's unbeaten start to their 2014/15 season
Ahead of the 2014/15 WSL Development season Liverpool Ladies appointed FA Youth Cup winning coach Matty Campbell at the helm of the team, with a number of players making the step up from the U17s to the reserves.
Since the opening day Campbell has overseen a run of 11 wins, including a wholly impressive 4-2 friendly victory over a Blackburn Rovers team that contained former Manchester City and Liverpool first team players.
In the 10 competitive wins Liverpool have scored 47 goals, averaged 4.7 per game during a run that has seen a 10-0 thrashing of Durham WFC and a dominant 6-1 win away at Aston Villa.
Ashley Hodson was voted by followers of this blog as Development Player of the Season so far, the young striker has steadily improved her overall game over the course of the last year and has netted 14 goals in her 7 appearances, with 4 hat-tricks.
2
Liverpool Ladies U17s win The FA Youth Cup
In June Liverpool Ladies picked up their first silverware of the year as the U17s beat Everton Ladies in The FA Youth Cup final at MK Dons.
The final was well-contested with both sides featuring quality young players; Liverpool's centre back pairing of Olivia Fuller and Rachel Robinson providing solid cover for goalkeeper Rachel Darbyshire, who produced a confident display between the posts - particularly during the tense closing stages as Everton pressed for an equaliser.
Liverpool were also impressive going forward, a midfield featuring Summer Smith provided the foundations for the formidable forward quartet of Blue Pendlebury, Kess Elmore, Mollie Green and Jess Davenport with support from attacking left-back Maz Pacheco.
It was Elmore who grabbed the winner, keeping her composure to finish low past the keeper, giving Liverpool the 1-0 win for captain Fuller to lift the cup in front of the large crowd.
1
Winning the league
Going into the final day of the season in 3rd place, the pressure was off Liverpool Ladies as the title looked to be Chelsea's to lose. During the first half and at half-time news filtered through that both Liverpool title contenders were losing, with the reds game somehow still goalless.
In the second half Liverpool upped their game, attacking now with more incision and intent, Natasha Dowie netted her 10th strike of the season to open the scoring, Lucy Bronze added a second and Dowie won a penalty which Fara Williams duly converted for the game to finish 3-0.
Liverpool had done all they could and then came the agonising wait for both the Chelsea and Birmingham games to end - a goal in either would have taken the trophy back away from Merseyside.
After what felt an eternity but in reality was just a couple of minutes, the news was confirmed - against all odds and following a campaign plagued by injury Matt Beard had once again guided Liverpool into first place and they were crowned Champions of the Women's Super League for the second successive year.
Earlier today Liverpool Ladies announced the welcome news that Gemma Bonner has agreed a new contract with the club, meaning the captain will enter into her 3rd year of leading the team on Merseyside.
Bonner joins a string of first-team players committing to Liverpool over the off-season so far, with Natasha Dowie, Danielle Gibbons, Katie Zelem and German duo Nicole Rolser and Corina Schroder also putting pen to paper on new deals.
Since her winter move from Chelsea Ladies 2 years ago, Bonner has become an integral part of the team both on and off the field; leading by example, performing consistently and encouraging her team mates.
Gemma Bonner has now captained Liverpool to 2 successive league title and this year led them into European competition for the first time, in 2015 the skipper will no doubt be looking towards lifting her 3rd league trophy and relishing competing in Europe once again.
Today Liverpool Ladies announced that Natasha Dowie has signed a new contract with the club, gifting supporters with the ideal Christmas present 2 days early.
Since her move from Everton Ladies in 2012, Dowie has topped the reds goal scoring charts in both 2013 and 2014. 19 strikes in 21 appearances in her first season and 13 goals to her name this year - paying an integral part to both title wins.
Dowie's strength on the ball is also part of her game which Liverpool thrive off, her ability to hold to ball up in and around the 18-yard box to bring the rest of the attack into the game.
Last season with Nicole Rolser missing for the majority of the campaign, Dowie was missing her main partner-in-crime but still shone up front for Liverpool; a hat-trick against Sunderland with a wonderful touch and turn to finish past the keeper, winning goals over both Manchester City in the league and Linkopings FC on the club's Champions League debut and her superb turn in the 3-0 win on the last day of the season - scoring one and winning the penalty that brought the title back to Liverpool for the second consecutive year.
Re-signing Natasha Dowie is fantastic news for Liverpool Football Club, bring on 2015!
Supporters of Liverpool Ladies were greeted with welcome news this morning as the club announced goalkeeper Danielle Gibbons has signed a new contract.
Liverpool are lucky to boast two top quality keepers amongst their ranks, last season when no.1 Libby Stout was missing through injury Gibbons took her place amongst the starting 11 with ease - keeping 3 clean sheets in her 5 appearances.
Gibbons is the only first-team player to remain at Liverpool from the pre-Matt Bead era and has also kept 3 clean sheets out of 3 games in the Development's Squad unbeaten start to their 2014/15 campaign.
Danielle's re-signing follows the news that Corina Schroder, Nicole Rolser and Katie Zelem have all also extended their Liverpool contracts ahead of the 2015 season.
Today supporters of Liverpool Ladies were given the welcome news that German duo Corina Schroder and Nicole Rolser had extended their contracts.
Coco Schroder has been one of the ever-presents in Matt Beard's starting 11 for Liverpool, an attacking left back who adds quality to the reds presence going forwards. Schroder has also made a habit of performing especially well in Merseyside derbies - an endearing quality for any Liverpool player - scoring in the 4-1 victory in 2013 and brilliantly setting up Kate Longhurst's winner earlier this year.
Nicole Rolser is one of the best attacking talents in the FAWSL, unluckily missing the majority of the 2014 season with an ACL injury but making her return during the run-in to net an important goal in her comeback game away at Arsenal Ladies. Rolser has been playing for Liverpool Ladies Development Squad during the off-season, looking sharper as the weeks go on and contributing to their impressive unbeaten start to their campaign with 10 wins.
After the news of 3 departures it is fantastic for fans to hear of both Coco and Nicole extending their contracts, congratulations to both and good luck for the 2015 season!
After just 1 season in the red of Liverpool, Gemma Davison became the third player to leave the club this winter.
Davison signed from Arsenal Ladies in December 2013, following a season with the Gunners which placed her in the PFA Team of the Year.
Gemma is a talented attacking player, her pace causing defences around the league all kinds of problems and she ended the season with the joint most assists in the division with 5 to her name.
Alongside her 5 assists, Davison scored 6 goals in all competitions for the reds - including a stunning strike in the 6-0 Continental Cup win over Sunderland Ladies, an important goal over new club Chelsea Ladies and Liverpool's first ever goal in the Champions League in the 2-1 first leg victory over Linkopings FC.
I'd like to wish Gemma the best of luck with her new club!
Today it has been announced that defender Lucy Bronze has left Liverpool Ladies and will join Manchester City Women ahead of next season.
During her time at Liverpool Lucy Bronze has become a crucial first-team player for both club and country, making 40 appearances in a red shirt and scoring 3 goals.
Two successful years on Merseyside seen Bronze lift the league trophy twice with Liverpool, also named Liverpol's Players' Player of the Year in 2013 and Vitality Player of the Year and @LFCladiesfans Player of the Season in 2014.
Earlier this year Lucy also picked up the prestigious PFA Players' Player of the Year at the annual ceremony in London, voted by her fellow professionals around the rest of league.
For a more in-depth look at Bronze's Liverpool career follow the following link - Lucy Bronze: Player of the Season (includes interview).
The entire Bronze family will be sorely missed at Liverpool, I would like to wish Lucy the best of luck with her new club.
Yesterday Liverpool's no.9 Natasha Dowie took part in a Twitter Q&A for England sponsor Vauxhall England.
Below you can see each question and answer.
Natasha Dowie has also been nominated for the FAWSL Goal of the Season award, for her superb strike against Sunderland Ladies in the Continental Cup. You can vote here, the winner will be announced during The FA Women's Football Awards at Madame Tussauds in London on Friday 14th November.
Q Has anyone tried copying Lamela's rabona in shooting practice yet?
A haha no! Not attempted it yet... might try it out in training tomorrow?
Q How excited is everyone for the Germany game at Wembley?
A Very excited, it's great that we've already sold over 33k tickets. Always a dream of any player to play at Wembley. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and get a historic win v Germany.
Q What has been the highlight of your career?
A Making my home debut for England seniors and scoring twice v Ukraine. Winning the WSL twice with LFC and winning The FA Cup with EFC.
Q What is one place in the world you would love to go but have never been before?
A Good q! Top three of New York, Maldives and maybe New Zealand, can't narrow it down.
Q What are your hopes and ambitions for the rest of your career?
A To be a regular with the [England] seniors and win some trophies with them. Domestically to retain WSL, win as much as possible.
Q What's been your favourite place you've visited because of football?
A Chile for U20s World Cup, Montenegro with the seniors in September.
Q Which player is always hooked on rumours and transfer speculations in the England/ Liverpool team?
A In the men's game @fara_williams47 always knows movements. Everyone know everyone's movements in our game.
Q What's your favourite song at the moment? What's your favourite song to listen to before a game?
A Shift K3Y - I Know. Sam Smith favourite artist at the minute. @alexscott2 is head DJ on the coach though.
Q What's the best part about playing for Liverpool and the best part about playing for England?
A Honour to play for LFC because of the history. England it's every child's dream to play for your country.
Q If you had to choose only 1 food item to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A I love a lamb roast dinner with all the trimmings.
Q Which footy ground would you love to play at and why?
A Wembley Stadium! 23rd November! Can't wait!
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A Dad got me playing when I was younger. Support of my family and their belief in me was key. Also hard work & practice.
Q [Deleted question]
A It's important. It's nice to know your fan base and give a bit back to them for all their support.
Q What do you think makes women's football unique and special?
A The honesty. We love the game and I think we play and attractive and entertaining style.
Q Did you expect to win the Women's Super League twice?
A I was always confident that we could retain it. It was great to win on the last day with two other teams in the title race.
Q What does it mean to be playing for England? When did you know you wanted to be a footballer?
A Means everything. Started playing when I was 5 & was always playing in the garden. Having such a footballing family helped.
Q How did you get into playing for your first ever professional team and how did you know that's what you wanted to do for a living
A My dad got me involved.. and always hoped to play professionally but never believed it would come true.
Q Apart from winning the league, what was the best moment of last season for you personally?
A Winning home leg in Champions League and scoring the winner.
Q Do you think The FA are doing enough to encourage, promote and sustain the women's game at the lowest levels?
A Yes. It's always improving.
Q Who is the best player you have played with and against?
A With would be Kelly Smith. Against would be Wendie Renard, French centre half.
Q What have the girls learnt from the Champions League games and how will Liverpool improve?
A Was tough with 4 games in 2 weeks and after winning the league. We will work harder and get stronger as a squad to go further.
Q Where do you see the women's game in the next 10 years?
A Every team full time. Earning enough money to make a good living from it and England being a winning nation.
Q Which was the better feeling, winning the FAWSL title or retaining it?
A Tough one. Winning it was making history. Retaining it shows true champions.
Earlier today Liverpool Ladies announced that vice-captain Amanda Da Costa has left the club and signed with NWSL side Washington Spirit.
Amanda signed for Liverpool in January 2013, during the biggest squad overhaul in the club's history.
Amanda signs in 2013
In the 21 months since the attacking midfielder has helped Liverpool to 2 cup semi-finals and 2 league titles, making 40 appearances and scoring 4 goals.
Da Costa has been the heartbeat of the reds team since her move, living and breathing her own personal motto 'Set Yourself On Fire' - any supporter who has watched Da Costa in a Liverpool shirt knows she is one player you can rely on to give 100% effort in each and every game.
Da Costa scores at the Emirates
Her determination on the football pitch was best displayed in her turn against Lincoln Ladies in the 2013 Continental Cup semi-final. Liverpool faced the toughest test of their season as Lincoln 'keeper Karen Bardsley spurned every attack the reds made, Amanda was the player encouraging her team mates not to let their heads drop - leading by example and never giving up, through the 120 minutes of football as the tie went into extra time.
Liverpool supporters will also remember her performance in the dominating 4-0 victory over Arsenal Ladies in the league last season at the Emirates. Controlling the play from her central midfield role, Da Costa scored either side of half-time to see the reds well on their way to victory - including a brilliant strike from the edge of the area after neatly controlling the ball.
In the above video you can also see a fine example of the service Da Costa provided to the Liverpool forwards, her pass to Natasha Dowie on 39 seconds a brilliant ball and her presence on the pitch will no doubt be missed by Liverpool's no.9.
This season Da Costa scored once in the league, again during a fantastic all-round performance away at title challengers Birmingham City and also netted during the group stages of the Continental Cup.
Liverpool's loss is Washington Spirit's gain, having watched Spirit play during the summer Amanda will fit brilliantly with the style of play Mark Parsons' side play and will no doubt link well with Canadian international Diana Matheson.
repping Liverpool @ Washington in the summer!
I'd like to wish Amanda the best of luck in the NWSL, she will be a very hard act to follow for Liverpool. Having already supported Spirit from afar over the last couple of years, I am looking forward to see Da Costa play for such a great club.
At the end of 2013 Lucy Bronze picked up the Liverpool players' Player of the Season award and 4 months later the PFA Player of the Year, her performances for Liverpool since the move from Everton 12 months earlier consistently good and earning the recognition from her fellow professionals.
In 2013, Lucy has continued to display all of the qualities that seen her pick up the awards for her displays in a red shirt.
Beginning the season at centre-back alongside captain Gemma Bonner, Bronze still showed the attacking side of her game - it was her pinpoint pass that set up Natasha Dowie for the opening goal of the league campaign against Manchester City.
Bronze had filled in at centre-back twice in the previous year, and has also made the centre-back starting spot her own at international level - beating established England players such as former captain Casey Stoney into Mark Sampson's team. Lucy featured in all but one of England's World Cup qualifiers, only missing the Wales game through suspension.
During the 0-0 draw against Notts County in the first-half of the season, Matt Beard switched Bronze back out to right-back - immediately giving the reds the advantage of her attacking flair on the right side of the pitch.
Staying at right-back until the final game of the year, Lucy formed a partnership with Gemma Davison who was also deployed mainly on the right and most of Liverpool's attack came from that side of the field.
Bronze picked up many Player of the Match awards during the course of the season (a quarter of all games) and it could have been many, many more. Supporters appreciate her hard work, her consistency and her never-say-die attitude..
A game in which Lucy perhaps played her best game for Liverpool this season was the home win over Chelsea Ladies, attacking with intent and defending well against a Chelsea side that boasts one of the best squads in the league. A powerhouse of a performance was capped with a goal after an excellent run and a quick exchange with Davison on the edge of the area ended in Bronze smashing the ball past the keeper for her first goal of the season.
What Liverpool supporters admire most in a player is the passion and determination when wearing the Liverbird upon their chest, Lucy Bronze is a player who has this in abundance - perfectly displayed by her performance in Liverpool's Champions League exit, her head never dropping as she put all her energy into attempting to drive the team on.
Liverpool Football Club are lucky to have a player of Bronze's calibre amongst their ranks.
Prior to the game in Sweden, Lucy also took the time out to answer a few questions for this blog;
Q : Congratulations, Lucy! You are @LFCladiesfans Player of the Season, how does it feel to add this accolade to your PFA Player of the Year award?
Lucy Bronze : Brilliant, I think as a defender individual awards always mean a little more and it's amazing to have had players support last year and the fans support this year. The manager's point of view means a lot, but you always want to impress players and fans!
Q : Having started the season at centre-back, how did the move back out to right-back come about? Which position do you prefer?
Lucy Bronze : Initially the move to centre-half was because of losing Whitney Engen at the end of last year, this left an obvious hole in the back line. Matt put me back at right-back mid-season to give me more chance to attack and more freedom to join in knowing I'd get back to defend.
I always say I prefer right-back. Not that I dislike centre-back - because I love it. Just at full-back I love getting myself involved higher up the pitch.
Q : Liverpool's defence has tightened considerably this year, what do you think has been the main difference in this?
Lucy Bronze : Libby Stout! I don't think people quite yet realise how good she is. We all know training with her every day, but this girl is quality. Also we wanted to tighten up defensively after last year when we focussed so much on attack. I think our next step is to balance the defensive work of this year, with the attacking play of last year. Hopefully we'll get that balance next year - third times the charm!
Q : With Liverpool's injury crisis during the first-half of the season, how much of a factor did team spirit play in keeping you fighting for the title until the end?
Lucy Bronze : I don't think teams outside of our team realise how much we actually were affected by injury this year. We literally had players playing in big games carrying knocks and injuries, purely because we didn't have anyone else - but I know for me it's taught me a lot. Not only had it been our team spirit but I think that's well known at Liverpool, that we have a good environment and we really all get along. A lot of players have had to take responsibility of the team this year and dig out individual performances to help the team - which is something we didn't have to do as much last year when everyone was fit and healthy and playing well.
Q : Talk us through your feelings between the final whistle in your game and the news filtering over of the full-time results in Manchester and Birmingham.
Lucy Bronze : Once the whistle had gone I just got myself into the crowd to see my family. I didn't know whether to get excited or not, they were excited for me. There were no real emotions for how any of us were feeling... disbelief/ excitement/ anxious/ nervous. Then someone shouted from inside and we all went mad. I think that's why so many players had so many different emotions, crying, laughing, screaming because it was so surreal.
Q : Finally, what have your personal highlights been from the 2014 season?
Lucy Bronze : I think we have had a lot of dramatic games this year, but my best best memories have come at the end of the season. Fara's winner against Birmingham was epic, then the Arsenal game to come back the way we did from 2-0 down and scoring last minute for a crucial point. Then the obvious last game of the season, I think against Bristol we played some really good football - we could have easily scored a couple in the first-half and then to top that great team performance off with the trophy at the end was quality.
Now hopefully we can take that last few games of form into our Champions League run and do ourselves and the fans proud!!
16/10/14 (a) Linkopings FC L 0-3 Champions League attendance 1360 - Match Report coming soon
Click the team name above to read the match report from each game.
W 12 / D 6 / L 3
Total attendances: 17,033
Average attendance: 741
Average home attendance: 684 (740 for WSL games)
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Liverpool Goal Scorers
Natasha Dowie 13vs Sunderland Ladies x 4, Manchester City x 2, Durham WFC x 2, Doncaster Belles x 2, Everton Ladies, Linkopings FC & Bristol Academy.
Gemma Davison 7vs Sunderland Ladies, Durham WFC x 2, Bristol Academy, Chelsea Ladies, Arsenal Ladies & Linkopings FC.
Fara Williams 4vs Birmingham City x 2, Arsenal Ladies & Bristol Academy.
Katie Zelem 3vs Durham WFC x 2, Notts County Ladies.
Kate Longhurst 2vs Everton Ladies x 2.
Gemma Bonner 2 vs Durham WFC, Bristol Academy.
Katrin Omarsdottir 2vs Sunderland Ladies, Bristol Academy.
Lucy Bronze 2vs Chelsea Ladies, Bristol Academy.
Amanda Da Costa 2 vs Doncaster Belles, Birmingham City.
Martha Harris 1vs Sunderland Ladies.
Corina Schroder 1vs Sunderland Ladies.
Nicole Rolser 1vs Arsenal Ladies.
Clean sheets: During a season in which Liverpool's defence was their most valuable asset, no.1 Libby Stout kept 9 clean sheets in 18 appearances. Danielle Gibbons made 5 appearances, keeping 3 clean sheets.
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Women's Super League
W 7 / D 5 / L 2
Liverpool Ladies began their title defence with a 1-0 home victory over league newcomers Manchester City on Thursday 17th April. Attacking from the opening whistle, Kate Longhurst opened the scoring after closing down Andie Worrall in the first-half however the referee controversially ruled the goal out for handball.
Following this Liverpool lost their composure slightly, allowing Manchester City into the game a bit more while still maintaining control with the majority of the possession. New number 1 Libby Stout produced a fantastic performance between the posts, saving well from Toni Duggan twice in the second-half.
Well into the second-half last season's WSL Golden Boot winner Natasha Dowie opened her league account for 2014 with a well-taken goal, Lucy Bronze picking her out with a great ball forward from centre-back.
Four days later on Sunday 20th April came Liverpool's first away league game of the campaign, against an impressive Chelsea Ladies side that boasted an intimidating front three of Ji So-Yun, Yuki Ogimi and Eni Aluko.
Ashley Hodson did well for Liverpool after replacing Kate Longhurst midway through the first-half due to injury, the development squad striker linking well with Natasha Dowie.
A second forced substitution seen Danielle Gibbons replace Libby Stout in goal, Gibbons made a couple of important saves just before a late scare when Aluko sent her strike wide of the post after going through on goal; the game finishing 0-0.
Liverpool then had to wait almost a month for their next league game, Notts County away on Sunday 18th May coming after four cup games and an international break.
Despite scoring 7 in their last two games Liverpool couldn't break Notts County down, the game saw few attempts on goal from either side, also finishing 0-0, yet it was Notts with the majority of attacking play - the reds defence coming under immense pressure. Particularly during a tense 10 minutes in the second-half where Liverpool's attempts to control the game just seemed to further invite the home side to press high up the pitch and try to catch the visitors off guard.
Gemma Bonner put in a good shift at centre-back, chasing every ball and dealing with the threat of Jess Clarke and Desiree Scott.
The final game before the mid-season break seen Liverpool entertain Birmingham City Ladies at home on Saturday 24th May, being held by the in-form City 1-1.
A dubious penalty decision against Libby Stout seen her concede her first league goal this season, with Karen Carney sending the reds stopper the wrong way.
Liverpool drew level through a penalty themselves in the second-half, Fara Williams coolly finishing from the spot after Hannah Dale was fouled in the box.
With a cup-heavy first-half to the season, Liverpool Ladies faced Arsenal Ladies in the first league game back after the break.
Goalkeeper Libby Stout missed out through injury, with Danielle Gibbons once again stepping between the posts. Gibbons was unlucky to concede a scrappy goal, Casey Stoney somehow bundling the ball over the line from her corner to score the only goal of the game.
Katie Zelem returned from injury, impressing on her first competitive appearance for the senior side however Liverpool couldn't find an equaliser - despite second-half substitutes Nina Frausing and Claudia Walker linking well, the latter seeing a shot blocked by the Arsenal keeper.
WSL action then once again took a back seat as the Continental Cup group stage played out it's final few games, before Liverpool returning to winning ways in the league with a 1-0 win over Everton Ladies on Wednesday 16th July.
Corina Schroder brilliantly held off a number of blue players to send the ball into the 18-yard box, Natasha Dowie putting it into the path of Kate Longhurst who scored her first goal of the year and her first over Everton for Liverpool.
Longhurst's strike would prove to be the decider, Libby Stout saving well from Nikita Parris in the first-half and Schroder magnificently getting back across the face of goal to block a goal bound strike in the second-half.
Unfortunately for Liverpool the next game for them came against Manchester City, the side who had beat them a couple of months earlier in the Continental Cup. The Etihad continued to be a tough place to visit for Liverpool as they fell to their second and final defeat of the league campaign.
The reds were missing young England trio Martha Harris, Katie Zelem and Ellie Stewart and conceded an unlucky goal as Joey Johnson's strike deflected off a couple of players to defy Stout and gift City the 3 points.
Following the defeat at Manchester City, Liverpool embarked on a run of 6 games with no losses as they closed in on retaining the title.
Beginning with a superb win at home over Chelsea Ladies, Lucy Bronze simply outstanding from start to finish and Liverpool completely outclassing their title rivals.
Putting their visitors on the back foot from the opening whistle and going all-out in attack, Katrin Omarsdottir patrolling the midfield and winning back the ball seemingly every time it somehow found it's way back to a blue shirt.
Lucy Bronze opened the scoring after cutting straight through the heart of the Chelsea defence, exchanging passes with the also impressive Gemma Davison on the edge of the box and thumping the ball past the hapless keeper. Davison also scored during the first-half and the Londoners simply could not find a reply.
Next up came another home game, this time with Notts County paying the reds a visit. Earlier in the season the two had played out a 0-0 draw with both defences cancelling the other out and it looked to be going that way during this game also.
That was until Katie Zelem came on in the second-half, the England youth international converting Gemma Davison's cross with her first touch of the game to send the stands into raptures and bag an all-important 3 points for Liverpool.
Then came a Merseyside derby against a struggling Everton side who were fighting for their lives in the top tier of women's football, derbies are tough games regardless but this one had extra bite due to both teams league positions and both having all to play for.
Liverpool once again held the majority of the possession during the opening exchanges yet it was Everton who took the lead - breaking on the counter attack through Nikita Parris, her strike saved by Libby Stout but the resulting corner sent over the line by Danielle Turner.
Kate Longhurst and Natasha Dowie formed a great partnership during this game and both found themselves on the scoresheet, Dowie equalising and in doing so scoring her 5th goal against the blues in 2 seasons. Shortly after Longhurst must have scored she had again scored the winner for the reds with a well-taken goal.
Liverpool's joy at being in front was short lived, as Nikita Parris scored from outside the 18-yard box to give Everton a share of the spoils in the 2-2 draw.
Entering the business end of the season and with Liverpool facing the toughest of run-ins, starting with an away trip to title contenders and Champions League quarter-finals Birmingham City.
Despite a frantic opening 20 minutes in which each side struggled to get a hold on the game, it was Fara Williams who ensured the reds regained their composure and the midfield began to tick nicely with Amanda Da Costa and Martha Harris linking well.
Harris has seen opportunities for Liverpool this year limited, both through injury and her involvement with the U20s World Cup. In the first-half she showed Liverpool supporters what they miss with her out, attacking down the right and drawing blue players to the edge of the box before sending the ball goalwards for Da Costa to tap over the line.
1-0 up and with minutes remaining on the clock, the unthinkable happened as the reliable Libby Stout made a rare mis-kick - putting the ball at the feet of ex-Liverpool striker Hannah Keryakoplis.
A stroke of genius from Fara Williams immediately from the restart however made sure the reds left with 3 points, Williams spotting Becky Spencer off her line as Birmingham retook their positions and taking just one touch before scoring the winner from the half way line.
In their penultimate game of the season Liverpool Ladies were away at Arsenal Ladies, where they found themselves 2-0 down within 10 minutes. Matt Beard made a first-half substitution with Gemma Davison coming on to terrorise her former club, the tactical change made a noticeable difference to the reds as they began to look more comfortable on the ball and confident in possession.
Fara Williams pulled a goal back before the break before Casey Stoney re-extended the gunners lead to 3-1 from a corner.
Another substitution made a welcome appearances on the afternoon, Nicole Rolser making her return from injury and immediately linking up with Natasha Dowie to score on her return.
Into injury and looking as though all hopes of retaining the title had gone, Gemma Davison made a wonderful solo run through the Arsenal defence to finish past the keeper and keep Liverpool in with a chance going into the final day of the season.
The final day of the season came around quickly, with Liverpool needing results in 2 other games to go their way while also beating Bristol Academy by 2 or more goals.
The reds somehow went in at half-time with no goals, despite Katrin Omarsdottir having a 2nd minute strike blocked on the line and Lucy Bronze hitting the crossbar.
Out fighting for the second-half and spurred on by the news that results in other games were indeed going their way, Natasha Dowie and Lucy Bronze scoring before Fara Williams rounded off the 3-0 win from the penalty spot.
As the final whistle blew at Select Stadium, the atmosphere grew tense as the players and supporters waited for the news from the other games - a goal in either one would take Liverpool's title.
After what seemed like hours, confirmation eventually seeped through and spread through the crowd that Chelsea had been beaten at Manchester City and Birmingham held to a draw by Notts County - Liverpool Ladies were once again league champions.
The FA Cup
W 1 / D 0 / L 1
Having reached the semi-final of this competition last season, Liverpool Ladies were hoping to go one step further in 2014.
Starting brightly with a 2-0 victory over former keeper Rachael Laws' Sunderland Ladies, despite losing Amanda Da Costa to injury in the warm-up and being forced into an early tactical change.
Kate Longhurst worked hard on the wing brilliantly setting up Martha Harris for the opener; Longhurst was also involved in the build up for the second after Sunderland failed to clear her strike, Natasha Dowie finishing from just yards out to double the reds lead.
This win set up a quarter-final with Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies, on Saturday 26th April the first derby of the season enticed a crowd of 824 spectators who watched as Liverpool crashed out the cup following a great first-half performance from the blues.
Nikita Parris struck the first goal after racing past Gemma Bonner into the box, Alex Greenwood doubling Everton's lead just before half-time following a corner.
Everton Ladies went on to The FA Cup final, where they were beaten 3-0 by a Kelly Smith inspired Arsenal Ladies.
Our blue neighbours have also since been relegated to the lower tier of the Women's Super League, after failing to win a league game all season. I know I speak for the majority of Liverpool supporters when I say that hopefully they can bounce straight back up, the league won't be the same without the derby fixtures to look forward to.
Continental Cup
W 3 / D 1 / L 1
Just four days after defeat to Everton in The FA Cup, Liverpool hosted their rivals yet again - this time in the Continental Cup on Wednesday 30th April.
Liverpool began this game much better, quickly seeking to win and retain possession with Everton seeming content to sit back and defend, attempting to catch the reds on the counter attack and utilise the pace of Nikita Parris.
Gemma Bonner and Lucy Bronze effectively dealt with Parris this time around, frustrating the young striker and limiting both her options and attempts on goal.
Everton also defended well, Natasha Dowie's cross to Claudia Walker well cut out by Gabby George. Walker also seen a late strike tipped over the bar by the Everton keeper, while Corina Schroder hit the crossbar in the first-half. The game finished 0-0.
On Saturday 3rd May, after 3 games with no goals for Liverpool, the reds welcomed back title winning keeper Rachael Laws and Sunderland Ladies to Select Stadium. Laws did not start as Liverpool ran rampant, putting 6 past the black cats.
Gemma Davison opened the scoring with her first goal since her winter move from Arsenal Ladies, an excellent goal from outside the 18-yard box. Davison then turned provider for the following goals, sending a cross across the face of goal for Corina Schroder to score the second.
Natasha Dowie then bagged herself a hat-trick; the first headed home from a Fara Williams corner, the second a fantastic move after turning with the ball and finishing from just inside the box and the third another brilliant finish - this time with her left foot.
Katrin Omarsdottir rounded off the scoring after scrambling the ball home from close range.
Following a short international break for the World Cup qualifiers, the Continental Cup action resumed as Liverpool travelled to Manchester City on Wednesday 14th May, picking up their second defeat of the year with a 2-1 loss.
City - much like Everton in The FA Cup - piled the pressure on Liverpool early on, Toni Duggan's headed going out wide for a cross to be swung in and cleared only as far as Abbie McManus. McManus finishing well from distance past Libby Stout, on her first start since return from injury.
Minutes later Katrin Omarsdottir almost put Liverpool in front - her strike was blocked by Steph Houghton and the follow-up from Claudia Walker also hit the England captain.
Manchester City retook the lead through Izzy Christianson shortly after half-time, while a positive for Liverpool in the second-half was the return of Martha Harris who had missed most of the season so far through injury.
After the mid-season break and a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal Ladies in the league, Liverpool were on the road again - this time headed to Durham WFC.
Matt Beard took the opportunity during the game to try out a new formation, during the first-half Liverpool held most of the possession and Natasha Dowie could have had a first-half hat-trick - going in at the break with only 1 goal to her name.
Dowie soon doubled her tally in the second-half as Liverpool once again tore into a WSL2 side, her second coming shortly after Gemma Bonner netted from a corner.
3-0 up and showing no signs of slowing, both Katie Zelem and Gemma Davison also bagged second-half braces as the attacking approach to the game through the use of Lucy Bronze and Corina Schroder as wing-backs paid off.
Shortly before full-time Libby Stout conceded a penalty, which Durham's captain Caroline Dixon adding a late consolation goal for the home supporters from the spot to make the final result 7-1 to the visitors.
Facing Doncaster Belles 6 days later the reds once again were hungry for goals, picking up where they left off against Durham with Gemma Davison chief play maker in the centre of midfield. Natasha Dowie once again scored twice, either side of Amanda Da Costa's first goal in 2014.
Doncaster mounted a brief comeback in the second-half, pegging Liverpool back to 3-2 however the reds hung on for the win.
Liverpool Ladies narrowly missed out on a spot in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup; with 3 groups in the first stage of the competition and only the winners of each group and the best runner-up progressing to the next round. Group winners Manchester City won the trophy in their first year of competing, beating Arsenal Ladies 1-0 in the final.
Champions League
W 1 / D 0 / L 1
Liverpool Ladies entered the Women's Champions League for the first time in 2014, unfortunately finding themselves unseeded and with a tough Round of 32 draw to Swedish side Linkopings FC.
The first leg took place at Select Stadium, Widnes on Wednesday 9th October in front of a crowd of 627 supporters. Liverpool took the lead through Gemma Davison in the first-half however Linkoping pegged the reds back by a goal shortly before half-time.
Natasha Dowie scored the winning goal during a hard-fought second-half, with Liverpool having the slightest of edges over their Swedish visitors to take the advantage into the second leg.
A week later and the reds were in Sweden, falling to a 3-0 defeat. The game perhaps coming at the wrong time, their 4th in 11 days and just 4 days after battling to retain their Women's Super League title.
Libby Stout faced her toughest test so far in a Liverpool shirt, standing well against the challenge and producing a number of saves to keep the deficit to less than what it could have been.
Fridolina Rolfo scored a hat-trick to confirm the reds exit from the Champions League.
Liverpool should not be disheartened by their early exit, the experience will stand them in good stead as they re-enter the competition in 2015. The WSL champions will also be a seeded club in next year's competition, due to a UEFA rule change.
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End of Season Awards
Player of the Season
For the last two seasons now I have ran a vote on twitter for Player of the Season, both midway through the campaign and at the end. Last year's winner was leading goal scorer Natasha Dowie, while midway winners have been Louise Fors and Becky Easton.
Below you can find a countdown of those players who came in the top 5 of the vote, including a Q&A with the Player of the Season.
5) Gemma Bonner / Natasha Dowie
Gemma Bonner is Liverpool's captain fantastic; a brick wall at the centre of the reds defence. Bonner's performances can sometimes go unnoticed, a consistent player who has been partnered with a number of partners at central defence this season, offers constant support and encouragement to her team mates and is a leading example both on and off the pitch. It is no secret that Liverpool have faced a difficult season with injury this year and credit must go to Bonner for steadying the ship in defence, ensuring along with her defence that Liverpool conceded almost half as less goals as they did in the previous year.
Natasha Dowie is one of just 2 players to have featured in every single game in both of Liverpool's title winning campaigns. Once again Dowie is Liverpool's top scorer despite suffering with the loss of Nicole Rolser and Louise Fors, scoring 13 goals in all competitions once again from a whole host of positions - a quality that makes Dowie one of the most dangerous strikers in the league, comfortable scoring with her head, tap ins, lobs and volleys from outside of the box. Rolser returning from injury 3 games before the end of the season no doubt boosted the reds no.9 game and the partnership was immediately reignited during the 3-3 Arsenal draw.
4) Libby Stout
+ Signing of the Season
Despite arriving in England relatively unknown, Libby Stout has been an inspired signing by Matt Beard - who recently cited the Liverpool no.1 as one of the best keepers in the world. Keeping 9 clean sheets in 18 appearances and 11 games with no goals from open play, Stout is an excellent shot stopper who communicates well with her defence - constantly coming off her line and at times out of the box to halt attacks before they reach her.
3) Becky Easton
Player of the Season at the midway stage and still many supporters' choice for the final vote, Becky Easton has been a massive influence for Liverpool in 2014. The best way to describe Easton, as one voter mid-season brilliantly put it, is 'passionate, hard and Scouse'. The defender never shies away from a challenge, never gives up the chase after an attacker and always gives 100% when playing in the red of Liverpool. The most experienced member of the squad is highly thought of amongst her team mates, a great influence on the youth players coming through who can see the career Easton has had and continues to have.
2) Fara Williams / Gemma Davison
Towards the end of the season Fara Williams turned in some of her most impressive performances in a red shirt, rousing displays against Birmingham City and Arsenal Ladies, coupled with important penalties and set pieces scored throughout the season has drawn attention from supporters. Her audacious winner over Birmingham was a defining moment of Liverpool's season and Williams also scored a vital equaliser over the blues back in May. This year Williams has also became England's most capped player of all-time and shows no sign of slowing down for club or country.
Gemma Davison is the second new signing to feature amongst the top 5, winning votes from supporters who cited her dazzling forward runs, her skill and technique on the ball and that goal she scored against former club Arsenal Ladies. As well as scoring one of, if not the, most important goals of the reds season, Davison also scored their first ever goal in the Champions League in the home tie against Linkopings FC and set up Natasha Dowie on the final day of the league season as Liverpool closed in on their second consecutive title.
1) Player of the Season:
Lucy Bronze
At the end of 2013 Lucy Bronze picked up the Liverpool players' Player of the Season award and 4 months later the PFA Player of the Year, her performances for Liverpool since the move from Everton 12 months earlier consistently good and earning the recognition from her fellow professionals.
In 2013, Lucy has continued to display all of the qualities that seen her pick up the awards for her displays in a red shirt.
Beginning the season at centre-back alongside captain Gemma Bonner, Bronze still showed the attacking side of her game - it was her pinpoint pass that set up Natasha Dowie for the opening goal of the league campaign against Manchester City.
Bronze had filled in at centre-back twice in the previous year, and has also made the centre-back starting spot her own at international level - beating established England players such as former captain Casey Stoney into Mark Sampson's team. Lucy featured in all but one of England's World Cup qualifiers, only missing the Wales game through suspension.
During the 0-0 draw against Notts County in the first-half of the season, Matt Beard switched Bronze back out to right-back - immediately giving the reds the advantage of her attacking flair on the right side of the pitch.
Staying at right-back until the final game of the year, Lucy formed a good partnership with Gemma Davison who was also deployed mainly on the right and most of Liverpool's attack came from that side of the field.
Bronze picked up many Player of the Match awards during the course of the season (a quarter of all games) and it could have been many, many more. Supporters appreciate her hard work, her consistency and her never-say-die attitude..
A game in which Lucy perhaps played her best game for Liverpool this season was the home win over Chelsea Ladies, attacking with intent and defending well against a Chelsea side that boasts one of the best squads in the league. A powerhouse of a performance was capped with a goal after an excellent run and a quick exchange with Davison on the edge of the area ended in Bronze smashing the ball past the keeper for her first goal of the season.
What Liverpool supporters admire most in a player is the passion and determination when wearing the Liverbird upon their chest, Lucy Bronze is a player who has this in abundance - perfectly displayed by her performance in Liverpool's Champions League exit, her head never dropping as she put all her energy into attempting to drive the team on.
Liverpool Football Club are lucky to have a player of Bronze's calibre amongst their ranks.
Prior to the game in Sweden, Lucy also took the time out to answer a few questions for this blog;
Q : Congratulations, Lucy! You are @LFCladiesfans Player of the Season, how does it feel to add this accolade to your PFA Player of the Year award?
Lucy Bronze : Brilliant, I think as a defender individual awards always mean a little more and it's amazing to have had players support last year and the fans support this year. The manager's point of view means a lot, but you always want to impress players and fans!
Q : Having started the season at centre-back, how did the move back out to right-back come about? Which position do you prefer?
Lucy Bronze : Initially the move to centre-half was because of losing Whitney Engen at the end of last year, this left an obvious hole in the back line. Matt put me back at right-back mid-season to give me more chance to attack and more freedom to join in knowing I'd get back to defend.
I always say I prefer right-back. Not that I dislike centre-back - because I love it. Just at full-back I love getting myself involved higher up the pitch.
Q : Liverpool's defence has tightened considerably this year, what do you think has been the main difference in this?
Lucy Bronze : Libby Stout! I don't think people quite yet realise how good she is. We all know training with her every day, but this girl is quality. Also we wanted to tighten up defensively after last year when we focussed so much on attack. I think our next step is to balance the defensive work of this year, with the attacking play of last year. Hopefully we'll get that balance next year - third times the charm!
Q : With Liverpool's injury crisis during the first-half of the season, how much of a factor did team spirit play in keeping you fighting for the title until the end?
Lucy Bronze : I don't think teams outside of our team realise how much we actually were affected by injury this year. We literally had players playing in big games carrying knocks and injuries, purely because we didn't have anyone else - but I know for me it's taught me a lot. Not only had it been our team spirit but I think that's well known at Liverpool, that we have a good environment and we really all get along. A lot of players have had to take responsibility of the team this year and dig out individual performances to help the team - which is something we didn't have to do as much last year when everyone was fit and healthy and playing well.
Q : Talk us through your feelings between the final whistle in your game and the news filtering over of the full-time results in Manchester and Birmingham.
Lucy Bronze : Once the whistle had gone I just got myself into the crowd to see my family. I didn't know whether to get excited or not, they were excited for me. There were no real emotions for how any of us were feeling... disbelief/ excitement/ anxious/ nervous. Then someone shouted from inside and we all went mad. I think that's why so many players had so many different emotions, crying, laughing, screaming because it was so surreal.
Q : Finally, what have your personal highlights been from the 2014 season?
Lucy Bronze : I think we have had a lot of dramatic games this year, but my best best memories have come at the end of the season. Fara's winner against Birmingham was epic, then the Arsenal game to come back the way we did from 2-0 down and scoring last minute for a crucial point. Then the obvious last game of the season, I think against Bristol we played some really good football - we could have easily scored a couple in the first-half and then to top that great team performance off with the trophy at the end was quality.
Now hopefully we can take that last few games of form into our Champions League run and do ourselves and the fans proud!!
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Young Player of the Season
Katie Zelem
Katie Zelem missed the first-half of the season after picking up an injury while on international duty with England U19s, On her return during the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal Ladies, Zelem impressed - holding her own in midfield against an experienced Arsenal side and displaying her eye for a good pass. As the second-half of the season progressed, Katie became an important first-team player scoring twice in the Continental Cup against Durham WFC and grabbing an important winner in a tough 1-0 against Notts County with her first touch.
Unsung Hero
This award was one I debated, changed, took out altogether and then decided to leave in. There are a number of players that you could consider for 'Unsung Hero'; Amanda Da Costa who is the heartbeat of the Liverpool midfield, Corina Schroder who is argubly the best crosser in the squad, Katrin Omarsdottir who excellently reads the game from the centre of the pitch and the hard working Kate Longhurst.
Amanda Da Costa has missed just 1 game all season, a true box-to-box midfielder who works to the maximum of her ability whenever on the pitch. Liverpool's vice captain is an integral part of the squad who is often, not overlooked, but perhaps underestimated and her play making abilities and passing range unrivalled.
Goal of the Season
1) Fara Williams v Birmingham City, 21st September
@1:29
2) Natasha Dowie v Sunderland Ladies, 3rd May
3) Gemma Davison v Arsenal Ladies, 5th October
Performance of the Season
Liverpool Ladies can be proud of their performance in their first ever Champions League game. Facing tough opposition in Linkopings FC between 2 critical league games, Liverpool matched their opponents during a tense first-half in which Gemma Davison opened the scoring. The reds upped their game in the second-half, fighting for the winner which deservedly fell to Natasha Dowie 15 minutes from time. As mentioned earlier, this experience amongst Europe's elite will only benefit Liverpool as they re-enter the competition in 2015.
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Development Squad
Mollie Green & Emilie Revitt join in the title celebrations
The first-team season may have now drawn to a close, however Liverpool Ladies Development Squad have made a fantastic start to their 2014/15 season. The Development League runs from September to May, with a break over the winter - no games in December or January.
U17 FA Youth Cup winning coach Matty Campbell has taken over the reins this year and the first 5 games have seen 5 wins, no goals conceded and 19 goals scored. An impressive feat given they faced last season's champions Sunderland Ladies away in their opening game and also beat a good Manchester City side in the cup.
Ashley Hodson scored back-to-back hat-tricks in the victories over Doncaster Belles and Notts County Ladies, with 7 goals in 3 appearances. Mollie Green is hot on her heels with 5 in 5.
Goalkeeper Rachel Darbyshire, one of many making the step-up from Liverpool's U17s, has played 3 games with 3 clean sheets.
For more information on the Development Squad, my Season Preview features a Player-by-Player guide: Development Squad Season Preview.
The team have a run of 3 home games in November, every Sunday from 2nd November onwards. Entry to games is free of charge and a great way to see the future talent at the club and those youth players who have featured for the first-team during their campaign.
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Thank you for reading @LFCladiesfans Season Review! Please keep following throughout the off-season, I'll be bringing you the latest news from the Development Squad - attending all their home games. Make sure you're also following @LFCladies for any news on new signings!
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