Match Report: Notts County 0 - 0 Liverpool Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies picked up another tough point away from home this afternoon, battling Notts County Ladies to a 0 - 0 draw. With other results on the day going our way, Liverpool and Notts now both sit joint top of the table on 5 points each.

 Last season Liverpool's attack attracted a lot of attention as the reds ran rampant against almost every WSL side, this year so far the pressure has been put on the defence with teams proving hard to break down.

 From the opening whistle Notts County were looking to press and run at Liverpool, with the majority of the first-half chances limiting Liverpool's passing options and chasing every ball. A lively start from the hosts see Canadian Desiree Scott shoot straight at Libby Stout while the in-form Jess Clarke fired over.

 It wasn't all Notts however, with Fara Williams and then Gemma Davison both putting balls into the box for Natasha Dowie however the striker was well-marked on both occasions and the ball was cleared. Martha Harris, making her first start since return from injury, also since a couple of her crosses cleared before reaching their intended targets.

 As Liverpool passed the ball around at the back, trying to find a way through and get their passing game going County continued to pile on the pressure. Libby Stout saving well from one attack, the resulting corner being headed wide.

 Corina Schroder had a good game on the left, making a brilliant run in the first-half that resulted in a nice passing move between her, Fara Williams and Martha Harris. Harris found herself dispossessed but worked well to win the ball back.

 For the second half Lucy Bronze switched with Becky Easton, moving out to right back. Immediately the reds looked better going forward; Gemma Davison's cross being blocked and out for a corner and then Katrin attempting to pick Schroder out on the wing with a great ball.

 Lucy Bronze on one run forward was fouled just outside the 18-yard box right in front of the referee, Davison played on but the attack came to nothing.

 For all the attacking play, Liverpool found their attempts on goal limited. The defence was put under immense pressure but captain Gemma Bonner put in a fantastic shift particularly during a tense ten minutes when it seemed a Notts goal was inevitable, Bonner fought for every ball and never stopped chasing Jess Clarke limiting her chances and forcing her out wide.

 Ashley Hodson replaced Martha Harris with around 20 minutes remaining, almost teeing up Natasha Dowie after a Fara Williams corner was headed on by Gemma Bonner. Hannah Dale also was a second half substitute, replacing Amanda Da Costa with 5 minutes left. Both Hodson and Dale playing high up the pitch as Dowie dropped a little deeper in an attempt to win the ball

 The game fizzled out to a goalless draw with neither side having a stand out chance to win the game.

 POTM: Gemma Bonner

 XI: Stout, Easton, Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder, Omarsdottir, Williams, Davison, Harris (Hodson), Da Costa (Dale), Dowie

 Next up for Liverpool Ladies they face Birmingham City at home next Saturday evening in a 6:30pm kick off. If Liverpool get more than 431 supporters in for the game they will have averaged a gate of 1,000 supporters for the first half of the season! Make sure you get down to Widnes and support the team!

 If you can't wait until then the development squad have another derby on Thursday night, after beating Everton earlier today with goals from Mollie Green and Beth Donoghue. Details for this game are TBA.

 Finally, after the Birmingham game next week the first teams season will break for 1 month. I am writing a mid season review for the blog and want your votes for Player of the Season so far! At the midway stage last year supporters voted for Louise Fors, make sure you tweet or comment in the sections below/ on facebook!

 Thanks for reading,

 @LFCladiesfans