MATCH PREVIEW: Notts County v Liverpool Ladies

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 Four days after defeat in the Continental Cup away at Manchester City Women, Liverpool Ladies are on their travels again - this time to face Notts County Ladies on Sunday 18th May in a game that could see Liverpool go to the top of the league.

 The international break following the 6-0 demolition of Sunderland perhaps came at the wrong time for Matt Beard's side, as they struggled to break down the sturdy City defence. Similarly to Everton, Manchester City set up to defend against the reds and catch us on the counter attack; a tactic that Liverpool will have to get used to it seems following last seasons goal scoring exploits.

 Despite the team being disappointed following the loss at City, there were a number of positives to take from the game. The first being that Libby Stout returned following injury, Liverpool are lucky in that they have two good goalkeepers at the club with the more than capable Danielle Gibbons deputising well in her absence. Martha Harris also made her first appearance in almost a month, an undisclosed injury has limited the new signings appearances since her move.

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 Secondly Liverpool attacking movement following going a goal down was impressive, Gemma Davison working well down the right wing with Corina Schroder and Claudia Walker linking well down the left. Schroder's initial cross missed the waiting Natasha Dowie on the edge of the 6-yard box however just minutes later Davison was able to pick out Liverpool's number 9, Dowie heading home her 6th goal of the season and 25th overall for Liverpool in just 28 appearances.

 Coming up against Rick Passmoor's Notts County will be no easy task for Liverpool. Formerly Lincoln Ladies, Notts will likely also set up to defend against the reds with Passmoor's Lincoln deploying this tactic in last years Continental Cup semi-final - frustrating the reds into a 1-1 draw and eliminating us on penalties.

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 Notts County have lost striker Ellen White for the entire season, however have been boosted by the emergence of Jess Clarke who has hit the ground running this year with 9 goals in 8 games. Clarke is quick and supported by the likes of Desiree Scott and Katie Hoyle means County have a lot to offer in attack, not just defence. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk is also a threat, the young striker started the last game on the bench but Liverpool supporters will remember her for scoring the equalising goal against the reds in August's semi-final.

 With Carly Telford in goal and a back line that includes Dunia Susi and Sophie Bradley, County's defence will be hard to get past however as the 6-0 victory over Sunderland shows there is goals in this Liverpool side and an early goal on Sunday could be key.

 Victory here could see Liverpool top the WSL table for the first time this year, Liverpool and Notts County are both currently on 4 points each to sit top alongside Chelsea Ladies who are away at Everton. Kick off is at 2pm at Notts County's Meadow Lane Stadium.

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 There are a number of Liverpool supporters travelling to Nottingham for this game, if you are too get in contact via twitter!

 Finally I have begun writing a mid season review for the blog and I want to know who your Player of the Season so far has been! Let me know via twitter, facebook or in the comments section below!

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans