REPORT: CHELSEA LADIES 7 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0

Liverpool Ladies impressive unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat on the road at Chelsea Ladies.

Chelsea took the lead in the second minute through Gilly Flaherty, while Fran Kirby and Ji So-Yun both scored on the stroke of half-time to extend the lead.

Any hopes Liverpool held of a comeback ended when Maren Mjelde scored at the start of the second half, and Karen Carney, Erin Cuthbert and Drew Spence finished off the rout.

The hosts - playing their final game at Staines Town F.C. before their move to Kingsmeadow - first found the back of the net as Flaherty converted Carney’s corner. The set piece swung in and Flaherty got the slightest of touches on the ball, nodding it between Siobhan Chamberlain and Casey Stoney.

Despite the final scoreline being lopsided, the tie had seemed perfectly balanced in the approach to the midway stage - Chelsea holding the 1-0 lead yet Liverpool knocking on the door.

Ellie Fletcher, who was making her first start for the first team since captaining the reserves to the league title, breaking up play from left-back. The youngster picking out Sophie Ingle and her cross towards Caroline Weir in the area intercepted.

Weir herself then sent a dangerous free kick into the Chelsea box, Millie Bright able to clear this before it could reach a Red shirt. The Chelsea and England centre-back also heading away a cross from Weir minutes later.

Liverpool were looking more and more likely to grab an equaliser, Weir almost finding the run of Natasha Harding and the Welsh international trying to return the favour - Deanna Cooper there to intercept.

Meanwhile at the back Ashley Hodson did enough to put Crystal Dunn of her cross which flew behind the touchline, and Chamberlain gathered a ball from former Liverpool winger Gemma Davison that was searching for Kirby.

A sign of more goals to come however came when Liverpool were again under threat from a set piece. Stoney thrice getting the ball clear, only to see it come back each time and the Reds only let off when Bright’s header was ruled out for offside.

The reprieve wouldn’t last long, ten minutes later Kirby racing onto Carney’s pass and firing the ball past Chamberlain.

Then it was three, Davison’s fierce cross whizzing across the face of goal to land at the feet of So-Yun - the South Korean making no mistakes from a yard out.

Out for the second half there was no letting up from the Chelsea attack, Mjelde extending the lead to four nil only three minutes in.

Liverpool still had their chances to get back into the game, Niamh Charles brought down by Katie Chapman and Coombs’ free kick sent out for a corner. 

Bright then beat Harding to a cross in from Shanice Van De Sanden. While Harding also squared the ball to Sophie Ingle in an advanced position, Ingle looking for Van De Sanden yet goalkeeper Carly Telford getting there first.

One of the Reds biggest chances came in the 64th minute, Van De Sanden fizzing a cross across the face of goal but Weir arriving a second too late and unable to connect.

Scott Rogers made a trio of changes over the course of the second half, Jess Clarke on for Fletcher and Katie Zelem on for Weir - Ali Johnson entering the action later on for Harding. 

The first two subs came either side of Carney’s strike, the England midfielder skipping out of the way of a challenge from Stoney to score Chelsea’s fifth.

Chelsea also made substitutions of their own, Mjelde replaced by Erin Cuthbert, Ramona Bachmann replacing Kirby and Drew Spence on in place of Davison.

In spite of being five-nil up and cruising, the Londoners refused to take their foot off the pedal and scored twice more in quick succession. Both Cuthbert and Spence piling on the misery for the Reds to ensure a heavy defeat for the league leaders.

A glimmer of hope came when Laura Coombs looked to have volleyed the ball home for a late consolation - Telford producing a brilliant save to tip the effort over the crossbar and sending Liverpool back North empty handed.

An uncharacteristic performance from Scott Rogers’ side, who will review the game before taking on Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium on Saturday afternoon - 3:30pm kick-off.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner (C), Stoney, E.Fletcher (Clarke), Ingle, Coombs, Weir (Zelem), Van De Sanden, Charles, Harding (Johnson)

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES DS 4 DURHAM WFC DS 1

Vick Jepson’s Liverpool Ladies Development Squad were crowned winners of the FAWSL Northern Development League on Sunday afternoon; coming from a goal down to beat Durham WFC Development Squad 4-1.

Durham had taken a 1-0 lead in at half time only for Cassia Pike to net an equaliser minutes into the second half. Pike added a second fifteen minutes later before setting Lizzie Earle up to extend the lead.

With the title won, Meg Taylor arrived to tap home the fourth and final goal in the closing stages of the game.

Durham’s first attempt - from which they scored - came after Levi Rathburn had shown great strength in the middle to shrug off her marker. Rathburn then switched the ball across to Paige Cole who won the Reds a corner - Lou Ainscow heading this inches wide.

From the resulting goal kick the well-organised Durham side were quick to move the ball up the pitch, their forward slotted the ball over the line with four minutes on the clock.

The Reds kept pushing forward yet were being kept out by the Durham goalkeeper. The ‘keeper getting just enough on Cole’s cross from deep to stop it reaching Elmore and also beat Ainscow to the ball after good work by Meg Taylor and Serena Fletcher.

A clever ball over the top from Earle was also intercepted and S.Fletcher’s shot from outside the box punched away, Pike unable to reach the rebound.

In defence Ellie Fletcher blocked a long range effort from Durham, allowing S.Fletcher to clear up the pitch, and Shannon Beckwith became a real driving force as the half drew on; urging her team mates on and constantly looking to move the ball.

E.Fletcher recently made her debut for the Reds first team and captained the side here, twice going close to scoring from Earle’s set pieces.

With five minutes left in the first half, Beckwith came under pressure at the back yet calmly flicked the ball across herself to play it out with ease.

Out for the second half after a quick pep talk from club captain Gemma Bonner who was there to support the team, the Reds quickly found an equaliser.

Jepson had made one change at the break, bringing  another recent first team debutant Amy Rodgers on for Ainscow - this allowing Earle to move further forward and Rathburn drifting further wide.

It was Pike who fired home the leveller, arriving at the back back to convert Elmore’s cross in from the left.

Buoyed by the goal, Liverpool began creating chance after chance. S.Fletcher and Pike both with efforts blocked and Pike almost finding Earle with an audacious back heel.

Two goals then followed in two minutes, Pike scoring here second of the afternoon from a tight angle and then setting up Earle who produced a fine finish to extend the lead to 3-1.

Durham went looking for a way back into the game, Becky Flaherty though switched on and quick off her line to gather a long ball sent over the top.

The Reds second substitution of the afternoon seen Pike replaced by Annabel Blanchard, who quickly found herself thrown into the action - turning well in the middle to pick out the run of Ainscow, her cross out for a goal kick.

Blanchard was then involved as Liverpool scored their fourth, flicking on Rathburn’s cross which was tapped back to Taylor by Elmore. Taylor making no mistakes from yards out and ensuring the Reds ran out 4-1 winners to secure the league title.

Liverpool Ladies Development Squad: Flaherty, S.Fletcher, Beckwith, E.Fletcher (C), Cole, Taylor, Rathburn, Earle, Elmore, Pike (Blanchard), Ainscow (Rodgers)

Unused Substitutes: Carberry, Boydell, Thomas

MATCH REPORT: BRISTOL CITY WOMEN 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 1

Scott Rogers’ Liverpool Ladies were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw away at Bristol City on Saturday evening.

Katie Zelem had come from the bench to fire the Reds ahead with ten minutes to play, yet Bristol equalised just minutes later through a substitute of their own - Lily Agg.

There was just one change to the side that beat Sunderland midweek as Shanice Van De Sanden returned to the starting eleven in place of Niamh Charles.

Chances were sparse during the first half, despite Liverpool showing plenty of promise on the ball - Laura Coombs in midfield a particular stand out, controlling and dictating the pace of the game.

While in defence, Casey Stoney stopped Bristol in their attempts to mount a counter attack and intercepted Chloe Arthur's cross.

Liverpool also had an abundance of corners yet couldn’t capitalise as they had done in recent weeks, Gemma Bonner first beaten to a header by Jodie Brett and then heading one just wide moments before the break.

The second half followed the pattern of the first, Liverpool looking to build up the play patiently from the back and Bristol sitting back and soaking up the pressure.

The Reds did make an encouraging start with Van De Sanden first seeing her cross deflected away from goal, the Dutch winger getting back on the ball, looking for the run of Coombs only for the Bristol defence to clear.

A Coombs free kick then missed Stoney by inches while Liverpool's Player of the Year Sophie Ingle shot wide from distance.

Katie Zelem came on for Caroline Weir with half an hour left on the clock, immediately introducing herself with a strike from 40-yard that sailed into the arms of Leach.

Shortly later Ali Johnson also took to the pitch in place of Clarke, while a challenge on Greenwood forced the England left-back off with Kate Longhurst replacing her. 

It was the substitutions that shook up the game, the aforementioned Zelem strike and Bristol substitute Lily Agg showing promise going forward for the hosts. Agg attempting to make a direct run into the Reds area but this matched all the way by Bonner, who was able to square the ball to Chamberlain.

Zelem then opened the scoring on 80 minutes, the midfielder has made a habit out of scoring from the bench, arriving in the right place at the right time to smash the ball into the back of the net. This after Van De Sanden had shook off her marker to cross along the 6-yard box, and flicked on by Harding into the path of Zelem.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, the lead was short lived. Claire Emslie’s cross ricochetting around the area before being converted by Agg.

In the games closing stages Longhurst received a dubious second yellow and Liverpool were reduced to ten players for the last few minutes.

Bonner went close for the Reds in injury time yet Bristol held on to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner (C), Stoney, Greenwood (Longhurst), Ingle, Coombs, Weir (Zelem), Van De Sanden, Clarke (Johnson), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 4 SUNDERLAND LADIES 0

Liverpool Ladies produced an exemplary performance on Wednesday night as they defeated Sunderland Ladies by four goals to nil.

The visiting Black Cats had failed to concede in each of their three previous Spring Series games, yet Caroline Weir scored an audacious strike within the opening ten minutes to break their impressive record.

Tash Harding then scored her sixth goal of the year to double the Reds lead, Weir added another in the second half and Casey Stoney tapped home from a corner to round off the scoring.

Reds boss Scott Rogers had named an unchanged eleven to the side that beat Birmingham at St. Andrews, with new signing from Notts County Amy Turner not yet listed amongst the match day squad.

Alex Greenwood has been in outstanding form amongst a team high on confidence, her attacking flair on the left wing providing the Reds with plenty of opportunities going forward and no less than five assists in three games prior to this tie.

It was Greenwood playing high up the pitch and getting in amongst the Sunderland defence that was causing problems in the early stages of the game - Weir spotting the run of the left-back parallel to the 18-yard box and looking to slip her through.

On this occasion Greenwood was stopped at the edge of the area, yet a cross put in two minutes later bounced around the box before Jess Clarke caught the ball on the volley and her shot sailed over the crossbar.

The way Rogers has set his team up this season allows a certain amount of freedom up front for the trio of Harding, Niamh Charles and Clarke with Weir pulling the strings behind them. Sophie Ingle and Laura Coombs providing the foil ahead of the defence.

A lovely touch on the outside of her boot allowed Weir to evade a crowd of Sunderland players and find Charles. The young forward carried the ball up the pitch, picking out the run of Coombs from midfield. Coombs' shot rebounded to Clarke and Black Cats goalkeeper Anke Preuss saved.

Sunderland were hardly getting s sniff of the ball when Weir opened the scoring, picking the ball up on the half way line, racing forward and taking one look up before curling the likely goal of the season past Preuss with her left foot.

The Black Cats looked for an immediate reaction however were spurned at every turn, Siobhan Chamberlain punching away Beverly Leon's shot and Ashley Hodson preventing Abbey Joice connecting with a through ball.

Instead it looked Liverpool most likely to score the second; Weir deftly flicking Harding's cross towards Clarke, Greenwood seeing a cross land in the arms of Preuss, and also watching a stinging effort rebound off the 'keeper to the feet of Clarke. Pruess recovering well to deny Clarke at point blank range.

Just over ten minutes later and the Reds had the ball back in the net, a sixth assist of the season for Greenwood who slipped through Harding. Harding in turn slotting the ball low under Preuss to register her sixth goal of the campaign.

The confidence in this Liverpool side has never been more apparent than the following 20-minutes that led up to half-time. The passing, the runs, the staunch back line. Looking dangerous every time they headed forward, Sunderland were barely able to get a handle on the game.

Clarke went looking for her second in a red shirt, first with a curling effort and then rising to meet Hodson's impressive cross from deep.

While Clarke was gunning for her second, Casey Stoney was unlucky not to have her first. Her header from a Greenwood corner an inch over the crossbar.

A lightning fast run from Harding on the left wing led the forward to the byline, from where she attempted to cut the ball back to Charles only for Victoria Williams to beat her to the ball.

Then Weir weaved her way past a couple of Sunderland shirts before hitting a second strike from outside the area - Preuss wise to this effort and collecting the ball.

At the end of the first half it was Liverpool that came under pressure at the back - shortly after Gemma Bonner went close to scoring at the other end - the Reds captain led her back line as they pushed everything away. Chamberlain producing a strong punch, allowing Liverpool to get out of their half and the referee to blow the whistle for the break.

The Black Cats made one change at the break, Stephanie Roche on for Joice - a substitution that seemed to give the visitors a bit more threat going forwards. In the beginning of the second half, Madelaine Hill seen a shot bounce off the outside of the past and Chamberlain pushed former Red Lucy Staniforth's effort out for a corner.

Still though it looked like Liverpool would be more likely to extend their lead rather than concede.

Weir's fierce hit landed to the wrong side of the post after the number ten was teed up by Charles and a quick Reds counter - after Chamberlain had again denied Staniforth - seen Clarke denied at the near post.

Ten minutes into the second half Rogers made his first substitution as Ali Johnson came on for Charles. The change immediately producing a goal as Johnson hooked Bonner's looping cross into the path of Weir who made no mistake from 6-yards out.

Liverpool were 3-0 up and cruising, able to take their foot off the pedal a little while still showing attacking threat - a great save from Preuss stopping Bonner from scoring her fourth goal in five games and Johnson turning in the middle to play through Greenwood, her shot-cross over the bar.

The Reds made two further changes in the second half, Kate Longhurst on for goal scorer Harding and Ellie Fletcher making her first team debut in place of Weir.

Fletcher has had an impressive first year with the Reds Development Squad, captaining the side as they close in on the league title - needing just a point against Durham on Sunday to confirm the honours.

There was time for one more goal as the game entered it's final stages - four the apparent lucky number for the Reds who have now scored four in four of their five Spring Series games - Stoney tapping home a Greenwood corner (seven assists!) at the far post.

Liverpool did almost made it five for the first time when Ingle's header was met with an impressive save from Preuss, the Reds Player of the Year denied and the game ending 4-0.

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

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Caroline Weir

REPORT: BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES 2

Liverpool Ladies continued their recent run of good form at St. Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon, beating FA Women’s Cup finalists Birmingham City 2-0.

Both goals came during the second half; Jess Clarke scoring her first goal for the club on her first start, and Gemma Bonner netting her third goal in four games to seal the win nine minutes from time.

Clarke was the only change to the line-up from Thursday’s high-scoring draw at Arsenal Ladies, the number nine joining Caroline Weir and Niamh Charles behind Tash Harding in attack.

Laura Coombs partnered Sophie Ingle in central midfield ahead of the back four of Ashley Hodson, Bonner, Casey Stoney and Alex Greenwood; Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.

Each side came into this tie unbeaten so far in the Spring Series and despite each side looking to extend that run, Birmingham perhaps had one eye on next weekend’s Cup final – new manager Marc Skinner making five changes to the side that drew at Manchester City.

Freda Ayisi and Andrine Hegerberg each tested the Reds defence in the opening five minutes; Ayisi twisting and turning yet ultimately unable to find a way past Ingle, and Chamberlain pushing Hegerberg’s attempt around the post.

Bonner was also on hand twice in the games early stages. The Reds captain’s clearance from Ellie Brazil landed at the feet of Sarah Mayling and the former Aston Villa midfielder saw her effort blocked by Bonner.

At the opposite end of the pitch Harding has been a constant threat so far in 2017 for Liverpool Ladies, a central figure in attack. Here again it was Harding forcing the attack, skipping through and forcing Ann-Katrin Berger into a save that landed at the feet of Clarke. Clarke looked up and attempted to find Charles who had cut in from the left wing only for Berger to intercept.

Charles was making her fifth appearance since coming back from injury and once more was linking well with Greenwood out on the left. The two were excellent going forward in last week’s 4-4 draw at Arsenal and were again showing promise here, Greenwood’s cross in the seventh minute skimming the head of the former U17 captain.

Liverpool have also been threatening from set pieces and, after Charles a free kick, Weir’s strike was on target, yet saved by German ‘keeper Berger.

Weir was involved further as the half went on, hitting the post after latching onto a cross from Greenwood and almost exploiting impressive play by her team mates Clarke and Harding – who had exchanged passes on the right – however a yard ahead of the final ball.

Each side continued to push the other, Paige Williams – back from a spell in the Italian league – having a shot blocked by Hodson and Brazil rattling the crossbar with a hit from distance.

Weir went close twice more before the whistle went for half time, again put through by Clarke and carrying the ball forward a couple of yards, unleashing a strike with her left foot that was deflected wide. The Scottish international then chased Ingle’s through ball into the area yet was closed down by several City defenders.

Although each side had had their chances, it was the Reds who would turn these into goals; Clarke heading in Greenwood’s cross only three minutes into the second half – and moments after the hosts had been forced into their second change of the afternoon, Ellen White replacing the injured Hegerberg while Jess Carter had also come on for Marisa Ewers.

Liverpool boss Scott Rogers made a substitution of his own shortly later, Katie Zelem coming from the bench in place of Weir. The midfielder was deployed further forward than her cameo against Arsenal and struck the post five minutes after taking to the field.

The Blues fought back, Ayisi hitting the crossbar – not once but twice! While Chamberlain produced a superb stop to deny White at point blank range and Hodson obstructed Carter’s cross from meeting its intended target.

With just over fifteen minutes to play, Shanice Van De Sanden came on for goal scorer Clarke, almost setting fellow sub Zelem with her first meaningful touch of the ball – Zelem’s strike taking a deflection to land in the arms of Berger.

The win was sealed for Liverpool by Bonner, who once again benefitted from a Greenwood set piece that was expertly flicked on by Kate Longhurst (on for Stoney). The Reds skipper had nicked a point midweek at Arsenal converting a Greenwood corner, and confirmed three points here at St Andrew’s, smashing the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Liverpool are now midway through their Spring Series campaign, having won three, drawn one and scored fourteen goals so far.

They next face Sunderland Ladies at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Wednesday, 17^th May at 7pm. Entry is free to all LFC members and season tickets holders or alternatively, tickets are available on the turnstiles for £6.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Stoney (Longhurst), Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Charles, Weir (Zelem), Clarke (Van De Sanden), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Niamh Charles

REPORT: ARSENAL LADIES 4 LIVERPOOL LADIES 4

Liverpool Ladies maintained their unbeaten start to the FA Women's Super League Spring Series at Arsenal Ladies on Thursday night, holding the Gunners to a 4-4 draw.

Alex Greenwood's opening goal was initially cancelled out by Chloe Kelly, yet Natasha Harding and Caroline Weir scored before the break to give the Reds a 3-1 lead.

In the second half it was the Gunners who edged ahead, Danielle Carter scoring twice and Jordan Nobbs making it four with ten minutes to play.

Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner then netted an equaliser, rising highest to head Greenwood's corner into the back of the net and ensure the Reds went back to Merseyside with a point.

The Reds had started brilliantly, putting their hosts on the back foot from the opening whistle.

Weir’s presence in the middle of the pitch was the catalyst, in the first minute dribbling her way past three Arsenal players to cut the ball wide towards Greenwood. Then Weir almost played through Shanice Van De Sanden only for the linesman to flag the Dutch winger for being offside.

Liverpool were creeping closer and attacking in droves; Laura Coombs winning the ball from England vice-captain Jordan Nobbs on the halfway line, getting the ball to Charles whose cross couldn’t reach Natasha Harding.

Any attempt the Gunners made to forge an attack of their own was soaked up by the defence; Ashley Hodson preventing Danielle Carter from turning at the edge of the box, Siobhan Chamberlain gathering Leah Williamson’s effort from distance, and Greenwood shielding the ball out for a throw and away from Kelly.

The Reds pressure continued to build as they looked more likely to capitalise on their efforts. Harding has been in fine form so far this season and a great run down the left wing earnt a corner that was first batted away by the Gunners defence.

From this Liverpool pushed back in, winning a throw-in close to the touchline. Harding took the throw which was flicked on by Bonner yet unable to fall at the feet of a Liverpool player – cleared out for another corner.

Greenwood’s set piece delivery has provided the Reds with plenty of opportunity in recent weeks, but she saved this one for herself. Stepping up to take the corner and swinging it straight into goal with her left foot to give Liverpool a deserved lead.

Rattled, the hosts stepped up their game. Nobbs’ cross headed wide by Anna Patten, Coombs intercepting a low cross intended for Nobbs from Carter and a corner thrice cleared by each of Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Casey Stoney.

An equaliser came for the Gunners as Kelly converted Carter’s cross at the near post.

In the game last Friday against Reading, both Greenwood and Niamh Charles had shone out on the left and Charles was once again a stand out here.

The youngster forcing a corner following a superb run, cutting in from the left and shimmying around a defender to hit a sweet strike – the shot matched by a great save as Sara Van Veenendaal somehow managed to tip it over the crossbar.

It was from the resulting corner that the Reds regained the lead, the ball bouncing around the area before Van Veenendaal’s attempt to clear hit Harding on the back and rolled over the line – they all count, as the Wales international would say after the game and Harding has now scored five goals in six games in 2017.

Charles could count herself unlucky not to on the scoresheet again just a minute later, powering forward and playing a one-two with Van De Sanden but again denied by Van Veenedaal.

However Charles’ work wasn’t done for the first half and an excellent ball was headed into the back of the net by Weir – giving Liverpool a 3-1 lead at the break.

The tables turned in the second half, shortly after Stoney was forced to withdraw – replaced by Katie Zelem with Ingle stepping back into central defence – Carter cut in from the right to curl a strike in at the near post.

A double substitution followed for the Gunners, former USA international Heather O’Reilly and England striker Jodie Taylor on for Charlotte Wubben-Moy and Kelly - the change giving Arsenal more zip in attack as they began to look the more threatening side.

With just over half an hour to play, Arsenal had their equaliser. A near match for her previous goal, Carter once again scored from outside the box.

Liverpool began to find their feet again with the score level. Zelem laid the ball off for Greenwood to shoot from distance, and Charles almost teed up Van De Sanden only for the Dutch winger to be stopped once more by her international team mate Van Veenendaal.

As the game entered its final stages, Nobbs fired the Gunners into the lead for the first time and Liverpool were defending wave after wave of Arsenal attacks.

Having already scored from two set pieces, anticipation was high when Harding ran past two Arsenal defenders to win another corner for the Reds.

Duly, it was Reds captain Bonner who rose highest to head the equaliser past Van Veenendaal – her second in three games – and Liverpool held on to secure the 4-4 draw.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Stoney (Zelem), Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Van De Sanden (Longhurst), Charles (Clarke), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs