Sunday 20 April 2014

Match Report: Chelsea Ladies 0 - 0 Liverpool Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies 13-match winning streak came to an end with a 0-0 draw away at Chelsea Ladies this afternoon.

 Two changes from the midweek team that beat Manchester City, Becky Easton coming in for Martha Harris at right-back and development squad talent Megan Alexander getting a spot amongst the substitutes.

Liverpool warming up pre-match

 503 spectators watched arguably the league’s best two sides go head-to-head, with Liverpool dominating the first half and in particular the opening 15 minutes and Chelsea dominating throughout the second half.

 Liverpool were quick out the blocks, fast to gain possession and looking to attack – the first chance of the game coming after Kate Longhurst was fouled on the half-way line, Fara Williams spotting Gemma Davison free on the right wing and taking a quick free kick. Davison took off down the wing and shot but her effort bounced back off the post, the rebound was just behind Natasha Dowie.

 An already injury-struck Liverpool lost Kate Longhurst midway through the first half, Ashley Hodson replacing her and immediately finding herself thrown into the action and linking up well with Natasha Dowie throughout the 90 minutes.

 In the second half Liverpool were also forced into a second change, Yuki Ogimi kicking keeper Libby Stout in the face meaning Danielle Gibbons came on to take her place. Hopefully for Liverpool both these players will be fit for the derby next Saturday.

 Chelsea’s front three of Yuki Ogimi, Eni Aluko and Ji So-Yun were lively over the course of the game, each committing to a fast paced attacking style with So-Yun in particular impressing for the blues. Liverpool perhaps received a let-off in the final minutes of the game; So-Yun appeared to be caught by a Liverpool defender in the box however instead of giving a penalty the referee gave her a second yellow card.



 Both defences put in impressive displays, Gilly Flaherty keeping Natasha Dowie relatively quiet and limiting her chances. Becky Easton had a good game at right-back standing strong and coping well with the free-flowing attacking movement from Chelsea, while Lucy Bronze and Gemma Bonner’s centre back partnership continues to grow.

 Picking out a player of the match for this game was tough; it could have gone to any of Davison, Bronze, Bonner or Easton. Lucy Bronze just comes out on top with a number of crucial interceptions to help keep Liverpool’s 3rd clean sheet out of 3 in competitive action this season.

 LFC: Stout (Gibbons), Easton, Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder (Harris), Omarsdottir, Williams, Davison, DaCosta, Longhurst (Hodson), Dowie

 Unused subs: Dale, Stewart, Alexander

Women's Super League table as of 20/04/14

 Few things to finish off with; first I want to say a massive thank you to Andy, Yvonne & Macy for giving myself and my friend a lift back from Staines! Our train was due to get into Liverpool for ten to 12 so we were both very grateful for their offer and to be home before 9 o’clock!

 Liverpool Ladies development squad fell to a 3-1 win away against Birmingham City, meaning they have lost their last two league games in a row. They have in recent weeks lent many of their regular players to the first team squad which could be having an impact, although they still have plenty of quality throughout with names such as Olivia Wild, Bethany Donoghue and Claudia Walker. Next Sunday they travel to Aston Villa for their cup semi-final.

 Finally yesterday I went to the Birmingham – Tyreso Champions League semi-final, despite the result it was a great day out and fantastic to see players like Caroline Seger and Meghan Klingenberg play. Former red Whitney Engen also turned out for the Swedish side and it was brilliant to see her play again before she heads off to play for Houston Dash in the NWSL!

 Thanks for reading, next up for Liverpool it’s Everton Ladies in the FA Cup Quarter Final. This game has been moved to Saturday 26th April, 7pm kick off at Select Stadium, match preview will be up Thursday evening!


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