Liverpool Ladies were unlucky not to come away with all 3 points in their final game before the mid season break, held at home to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham City.
The only change to the Liverpool starting 11 seen Hannah Dale start in place of the injured Katrin Omarsdottir, while Kate Longhurst started as a substitute to make the team sheet for the first time since picking up an injury at Chelsea away
Lucy Bronze also began the game at right back, the defender moving back to the position she excelled in last season with Becky Easton alongside Gemma Bonner at centre back.
Liverpool started the game much more brightly than last Sunday, Gemma Davison and Lucy Bronze immediately linking well on the right wing; Davison cutting in and shooting from the edge of the 18-yard box early on, her shot was punched wide by Becky Spencer.
It was in fact Liverpool with the majority of the chances in the first half, mainly a threat down the right with Lucy Bronze sending a number of crosses into the box; almost finding Natasha Dowie with one and then finding herself on the left but there was no one to get on the end of her cross.
A controversial decision by the referee on the 25th minute to award Birmingham a penalty, the referee judging Libby Stout had fouled Jade Moore right on the edge of the area - no card was given, Karen Carney stepped up to send the Liverpool no.1 the wrong way and open the scoring against the run of play.
This decision did not put Stout off coming out off her line, throughout the 90 minutes the goalkeeper displayed just why she has become a firm favourite during her time at Liverpool so far with a number of interceptions. At corners and free kicks, Stout commands her box well and never takes her eye off the ball to come out and collect with ease.
Aside from the penalty decision, the referee made a number of poor calls; Hannah Dale being fouled a number of times, including right in front of the referee but nothing was given. The young development squad midfielder more than impressed on her first 1st team start, both assisting in attack and helping out in defence.
Liverpool displayed good attacking movement throughout the game. Searching for an equaliser Corina Schroder found Gemma Davison with a great cross, her shot was blocked with the rebound coming out to Hannah Dale. Surrounded by blue shirts, Dale did brilliantly to get the ball back to Amanda DaCosta who squared the ball to Martha Harris - her strike going wide.
The again minutes later Gemma Davison was fouled on the half way line, a great delivery into the box from Fara Williams seen Corina Schroder find Amanda DaCosta on the edge of the box yet her shot was also blocked.
As with the first half, the second 45 minutes mainly saw Liverpool attacking as Birmingham seemed content to press and wait for a misplaced pass to mount an attack; the blues almost taking advantage of this when Karen Carney tried a decent effort from the corner of the box, the ball narrowly sailing over the crossbar.
Hannah Dale continued to impress; Natasha Dowie forced out the box by the Birmingham defence passed back to Dale, who recovered well from a slip, to shoot just wide of the post.
It was Dale who won the penalty for Liverpool, making a run forward she was tripped in the box for the referee to award the reds a penalty. Fara Williams stepped up, Spencer diving the right way but Williams finished well with a great penalty for her first goal this year and to make it 1-1.
Gemma Bonner had another brilliant game at the back, the captain at one point in the second half beating two blues players on a great run into the other half, sending the ball forward for Natasha Dowie to chase as Liverpool searched for a winner.
The game finished 1-1, meaning Liverpool have won 1 and drawn 3 of their opening WSL games. With 10 games left to play following the break, anything could happen - we are just 2 points behind leaders Birmingham City and will no doubt be bringing in some reinforcements during the transfer window.
XI: Stout, Bronze, Easton, Bonner (C), Schroder, Williams, Dale (Hodson), DaCosta, Harris (Longhurst), Davison, Dowie
POTM: Lucy Bronze
Thanks for reading, mid season review will be up tomorrow evening (Monday 26th May) at 6pm. If you haven't yet voted for Player of the Season so far now is the time to get your vote in! One player has taken the lead, but there is still a tie for 3rd place!
@LFCladiesfans
Sunday, 25 May 2014
Friday, 23 May 2014
Match Preview: Liverpool Ladies v Birmingham City
Six weeks after kicking off the 2014 campaign away at Sunderland Ladies, Liverpool Ladies host Birmingham City in the final game before the mid season break.
It has been a tough opening for Liverpool, losing 3 players before a ball had been kicked and then missing each of Amanda DaCosta, Libby Stout, Martha Harris and Kate Longhurst for one or more games has tested the reds.
Having said that the players injury-free have more than stood up to the task, Liverpool's back line in particular coming under heavy pressure at Notts County and Chelsea away - Lucy Bronze and Gemma Bonner's centre back partnership grows every game, while Corina Schroder and Becky Easton have been solid at left and right back respectively.
Gemma Davison has been the catalyst to the majority of Liverpool's attacking movement, her pace blinding defences. At the last home game at Select Stadium, supporters were treated to a master class in attack from Davison as she opened her Liverpool goals account and provided an assist minutes later.
Natasha Dowie remains the reds primary goal threat, with 6 goals to her name already this season and 25 in 29 appearances overall in a Liverpool shirt.
The game against Birmingham will be only the fourth league game, with 5 of the 9 opening games being cup ties. Liverpool remain unbeaten in the league and are also the only WSL side yet to concede a league goal.
Despite being tipped by many to be candidates for relegation, Birmingham have proved their doubters wrong so far this season and come into this game sitting top of the Women's Super League. On their last two outings they have beaten both Chelsea Ladies and Arsenal Ladies, scoring 4 goals and conceding 1.
Kirsty Linnett is the blues top scorer, with 3 goals in 7 games. Remi Allen and Jo Potter, both recently receiving England call-ups, have 2 in 7 each while former reds striker Hannah Keryakoplis has scored one goal so far this year.
Alongside their 2 wins and a draw so far in the league, Birmingham also progressed to the Champions League semi-finals. The first leg in Birmingham saw a brilliant performance from the blues as they held on to a 0-0 draw against players like Marta and Christen Press, their luck ran out in the second leg a week later; 3 late goals defeating the blues and destroying their hopes of reaching the final.
Liverpool's average home attendance so far this season is 892. Down on last years high of 965 however if they get a gate greater than 431 tomorrow night, this average will rise to 1,000+ (WSL games).
Kick off is 6:30pm, Select Stadium, Widnes. £5 entry for adults on the gate, £2.50 concessions.
Two things to finish off; first I am putting the finishing touches to my 2014 mid season review, the voting for Player of the Season so far has been a battle between both Becky Easton and Gemma Davison - one player has just pulled ahead of the other so if you haven't voted yet either tweet me or message/ comment on facebook! Libby Stout and Gemma Bonner are also fighting it out for 3rd place.
Finally last night I went to watch the development squad in their derby as, for a second time in one week, they defeated Everton Ladies 2-1. This was the 5th development game I've gotten to over the course of their season, many players there at the beginning of their season are now with the first team so getting to these games is a brilliant way of seeing the future talent at the club.
As well as the players who have already made the step up, there are many more deserving of an opportunity. Beth Donoghue has been in fantastic form over the last few weeks, netting 3 of the 4 goals scored against Everton this week, while Olivia Wild and Shannon Beckwith also continue to impress at right back and centre back.
The development squad have one final home game left this year, on Sunday 25th May at 2pm they will take on Aston Villa at Select Stadium so if you don't have any plans get down and support the girls! All games are free entry.
Thanks for reading, mid season review will be up on Monday 26th May! Including: Fixtures & Results, Attendances & Goals, WSL, The FA Cup, Continental Cup, '... of the Season so far' Awards and Development Squad.
@LFCladiesfans
Match Report: Everton Ladies 1 - 2 Liverpool Ladies (development squad)
Liverpool Ladies development squad tonight beat Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies 2-1 with an excellent team performance.
Following a late ground change, the game from moved from Ford Sports & Social Club to the more familiar surroundings of the Select Stadium.
Liverpool had two U17 players in the starting 11, Rachel Robinson starting alongside captain Sophia Riccio at centre-back and Jessica Davenport on the right of midfield. Olivia Wild and Emilie Revitt the two full-backs, with Megan Alexander playing left wing and Grace Vella and Vicky Rumsey in the centre of midfield. Another U17 graduate Mollie Green, who had 2 goals in 3 games before tonight, started just behind Beth Donoghue up front. Gemma Jackson in goal.
Immediately looking to attack from the opening whistle, Liverpool hit the ball forward for Beth Donoghue and Mollie Green to chase but Everton managed to clear.
Within 5 minutes Liverpool had opened the scoring, Sophia Riccio intercepting the Everton attack and hitting the ball forward. Beth Donoghue collected the ball in midfield and made a brilliant run past the defender, finishing well for her 7th goal of the season.
Boosted by her goal, Donoghue went from strength to strength throughout the first-half; minutes after scoring coming out wide to assist Emilie Revitt on the left wing, beating her marker and putting an inch-perfect cross into the box for Mollie Green, who's header was caught by the keeper.
Then again on another dazzling run forward, rounding the keeper and getting a strike in on goal. The Everton defender doing just enough to poke the ball wide, Megan Alexander almost getting there for the rebound. Donoghue was causing Everton all kinds of trouble.
Olivia Wild and Emilie Revitt were also causing the blues trouble down the flanks; Wild at first doing well to retain possession when surrounded by three blue shirts, doing just enough to get the ball back to Riccio who's ball forward to Green was caught by the goalkeeper. Next it was Revitt doing well to find Donoghue in space, but this time the strikers cross was intercepted.
Following a period of sustained Liverpool pressure, where the reds could easily have scored 3 or 4, Revitt was forced off with an injury - replaced by Eve Kennerley. The substitution and brief break in play seemed to slow the tempo of the game, this suited Everton who began to drag themselves back into the game.
Both in the 10 minutes before half-time and the first 15 minutes of the second half, Liverpool found themselves facing a revived Everton attack. All credit for not conceding during this time to the Liverpool back four who stood strong; on the one time the blues looked as though they had beaten Sophia Riccio, Rachel Robinson did brilliantly to get across and force the attack back out to the wing.
Robinson and Riccio made for a good centre-back pairing, the former with a number of crucial blocks on her second appearance for the development squad.
Megan Alexander had a fantastic 90 minutes, constantly creating space for herself on the left wing and assisting both the Liverpool attack and defence - a number of interceptions in particular in the second half. One nice move seen the winger leaving her marker behind, making a great run up the wing but the through ball to Donoghue took a deflection slowing it down and meaning the keeper got there first.
Under pressure from Everton, Liverpool brought Yasmine Swarbrick on for Jessica Davenport with 30 minutes remaining. Swarbrick got stuck in immediately, winning the ball back, pressing and closing down players.
Liverpool began to see more of the ball and started to again search for a second, one strike blocked seen the ball fall to Alexander on the edge of the area - her strike going out for a goal kick. The goal kick was taken short, Beth Donoghue chased causing a shaky moment for the blues defence and they hastily cleared the ball out for a throw.
Swarbrick and Donoghue linked well, first Donoghue breaking from a corner but her final pass was intercepted. Minutes later the striker was able to find Swarbrick however surrounded by blue shirts she couldn't get the ball back to her.
Eventually the second goal came, Swarbrick picking out Donoghue's run into the box, Donoghue skipping past the defender and confidently finishing past the goalkeeper. Beth Donoghue is now the development squad's top scorer with 8 goals, prior to this game she tied Claudia Walker with 6.
Donoghue almost had her hat-trick after shrugging off a foul from the defender, the referee indicating play on, the shot was saved and Swarbrick almost got there for the rebound.
Credit must be given to Everton, who have some brilliant players in their development squad. The stand out player for the blues was Charlie Fitpatrick who had an ongoing midfield battle with Grace Vella and Vicky Rumsey,while it was also good to see Paige Williams come on as a second half substitute and continue her return from injury. The blues pulled a goal back just before full-time with a well taken effort from distance.
XI: Jackson, Wild, Robinson, Riccio (C), Revitt (Kennerley), Vella, Rumsey, Davenport (Swarbrick), Green, Alexander, Donoghue
POTM: Megan Alexander/ Beth Donoghue
Overall a brilliant performance from the team, the attacking movement going forward was entertaining to watch. Donoghue's blinding pace and Liverpool's pressing on both wings making it difficult for Everton to mark while under pressure the defence was solid, not one player had a bad shift.
Next up for the development squad they're at home on Sunday 25th May at 2pm kick off, this will unfortunately be the last development game I will be able to cover for the blog this season but, if you can, make sure you get down to Birmingham on Saturday 31st May to support the girls in their cup final vs Arsenal Ladies.
Thanks for reading,
@LFCladiesfans
Following a late ground change, the game from moved from Ford Sports & Social Club to the more familiar surroundings of the Select Stadium.
Liverpool had two U17 players in the starting 11, Rachel Robinson starting alongside captain Sophia Riccio at centre-back and Jessica Davenport on the right of midfield. Olivia Wild and Emilie Revitt the two full-backs, with Megan Alexander playing left wing and Grace Vella and Vicky Rumsey in the centre of midfield. Another U17 graduate Mollie Green, who had 2 goals in 3 games before tonight, started just behind Beth Donoghue up front. Gemma Jackson in goal.
Immediately looking to attack from the opening whistle, Liverpool hit the ball forward for Beth Donoghue and Mollie Green to chase but Everton managed to clear.
Within 5 minutes Liverpool had opened the scoring, Sophia Riccio intercepting the Everton attack and hitting the ball forward. Beth Donoghue collected the ball in midfield and made a brilliant run past the defender, finishing well for her 7th goal of the season.
Then again on another dazzling run forward, rounding the keeper and getting a strike in on goal. The Everton defender doing just enough to poke the ball wide, Megan Alexander almost getting there for the rebound. Donoghue was causing Everton all kinds of trouble.
Olivia Wild and Emilie Revitt were also causing the blues trouble down the flanks; Wild at first doing well to retain possession when surrounded by three blue shirts, doing just enough to get the ball back to Riccio who's ball forward to Green was caught by the goalkeeper. Next it was Revitt doing well to find Donoghue in space, but this time the strikers cross was intercepted.
Following a period of sustained Liverpool pressure, where the reds could easily have scored 3 or 4, Revitt was forced off with an injury - replaced by Eve Kennerley. The substitution and brief break in play seemed to slow the tempo of the game, this suited Everton who began to drag themselves back into the game.
Both in the 10 minutes before half-time and the first 15 minutes of the second half, Liverpool found themselves facing a revived Everton attack. All credit for not conceding during this time to the Liverpool back four who stood strong; on the one time the blues looked as though they had beaten Sophia Riccio, Rachel Robinson did brilliantly to get across and force the attack back out to the wing.
Robinson and Riccio made for a good centre-back pairing, the former with a number of crucial blocks on her second appearance for the development squad.
Megan Alexander had a fantastic 90 minutes, constantly creating space for herself on the left wing and assisting both the Liverpool attack and defence - a number of interceptions in particular in the second half. One nice move seen the winger leaving her marker behind, making a great run up the wing but the through ball to Donoghue took a deflection slowing it down and meaning the keeper got there first.
Under pressure from Everton, Liverpool brought Yasmine Swarbrick on for Jessica Davenport with 30 minutes remaining. Swarbrick got stuck in immediately, winning the ball back, pressing and closing down players.
Liverpool began to see more of the ball and started to again search for a second, one strike blocked seen the ball fall to Alexander on the edge of the area - her strike going out for a goal kick. The goal kick was taken short, Beth Donoghue chased causing a shaky moment for the blues defence and they hastily cleared the ball out for a throw.
Swarbrick and Donoghue linked well, first Donoghue breaking from a corner but her final pass was intercepted. Minutes later the striker was able to find Swarbrick however surrounded by blue shirts she couldn't get the ball back to her.
Eventually the second goal came, Swarbrick picking out Donoghue's run into the box, Donoghue skipping past the defender and confidently finishing past the goalkeeper. Beth Donoghue is now the development squad's top scorer with 8 goals, prior to this game she tied Claudia Walker with 6.
Donoghue almost had her hat-trick after shrugging off a foul from the defender, the referee indicating play on, the shot was saved and Swarbrick almost got there for the rebound.
Credit must be given to Everton, who have some brilliant players in their development squad. The stand out player for the blues was Charlie Fitpatrick who had an ongoing midfield battle with Grace Vella and Vicky Rumsey,while it was also good to see Paige Williams come on as a second half substitute and continue her return from injury. The blues pulled a goal back just before full-time with a well taken effort from distance.
XI: Jackson, Wild, Robinson, Riccio (C), Revitt (Kennerley), Vella, Rumsey, Davenport (Swarbrick), Green, Alexander, Donoghue
POTM: Megan Alexander/ Beth Donoghue
Overall a brilliant performance from the team, the attacking movement going forward was entertaining to watch. Donoghue's blinding pace and Liverpool's pressing on both wings making it difficult for Everton to mark while under pressure the defence was solid, not one player had a bad shift.
Next up for the development squad they're at home on Sunday 25th May at 2pm kick off, this will unfortunately be the last development game I will be able to cover for the blog this season but, if you can, make sure you get down to Birmingham on Saturday 31st May to support the girls in their cup final vs Arsenal Ladies.
Thanks for reading,
@LFCladiesfans
Sunday, 18 May 2014
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
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
Friday, 16 May 2014
MATCH PREVIEW: Notts County v Liverpool Ladies
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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| credit: @SupportHerApp |
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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| credit: @SupportHerApp |
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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| credit: @SupportHerApp |
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
Thursday, 15 May 2014
Match Report: Manchester City Women 2 - 1 Liverpool Ladies
Tonight Liverpool Ladies fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Manchester City Women. This being a Continental Cup game means Liverpool have now won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their opening group games.
The set-up at City means supporters paying on the day have to go to a box office to purchase tickets, the printers broke leaving queues of people waiting for tickets minutes before kick-off.
Liverpool lined up with the same side who beat Sunderland Ladies 6-0 in the game before the international break and it was the reds who had the first chance of the game; Amanda Da Costa finding Claudia Walker but her shot went over the cross bar.
Manchester City sought to quickly regain position, pressing high up the pitch. Within 5 minutes City had the start they wanted, good build up play around the 18-yard box with Toni Duggan's header leading to a cross being cleared only as far as Abbie McManus who finished fantastically well from 30 yards.
Following the goal Liverpool were quick to compose themselves, unlike when they went behind against Everton were they seemed to become frustrated. Natasha Dowie forced Steph Houghton into a clearance, Corina Schroder finding Da Costa with the throw but she couldn't find a red shirt.
Gemma Davison continued to impress going forward, working mainly from the right wing Davison also cut across the box in one impressive run but again the final ball couldn't get through. Davison was then involved in the equaliser minutes later; Corina Schroder put a good cross into the box that just missed Natasha Dowie, it came out to Davison on the other side who put it back in and this time Dowie put it in the back of the net.
Katrin Omarsdottir almost put Liverpool in front, Steph Houghton blocking the Icelandic's strike. Claudia Walker's rebound was also blocked by the England captain.
For the remainder of the first half, play was end-to-end. Dowie clearing from a City corner for Walker to chase but Bardsley got there first. Liverpool then won a corner which was headed on by Gemma Bonner, cleared by City but Bonner got back quickly to the half-way line to win back possession; the referee deeming that she had however fouled Jill Scott and awarding the blues a free kick.
Out for the second half, Manchester City began as they had the first. Looking to attack and catch the Liverpool defence out, Izzy Christianson putting them back in front shortly after the restart.
Liverpool seemed to be lacking the fluid movement they had displayed against Sunderland just a week and a half ago, credit must be given to the City defence who put in a great performance.
Liverpool playing a high line at the back meant in the second half City managed to catch us a number of times on the counter attack, Izzy Christianson beating Gemma Bonner and Lucy Bronze at one point but Libby Stout - on her return to the first team - bravely came out to brilliantly save from the striker.
Another player returning to the Liverpool side was Martha Harris, who replaced Walker on the hour. Harris was immediately involved in the action with a shot on goal headed towards the top corner but punched away by Karen Bardsley. Ashley Hodson also made an appearance, after two starts for the development squad in the last week, to add some much needed fresh legs to the Liverpool side.
For all Liverpool's possession and hard work on the wings, Corina Schroder linking well with Claudia Walker and Becky Easton pressing high up the pitch to support Gemma Davison, they couldn't break the defence down.
Manchester City were arguably the better team on the night, although Liverpool are disappointed with their performance there are positives with some play tonight - in particular the build up to Natasha Dowie's goal, youth players again playing with maturity and both Libby Stout and Martha Harris returning to the team.
With Katie Zelem and Kate Longhurst both due to return in the coming weeks, Lucy Staniforth and Nicole Rolser of course out with long-term injuries, Liverpool should soon be back to full strength.
POTM: Becky Easton
XI: Stout, Easton (Hodson), Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder, Omarsdottir, Williams, Davison, Walker (Harris), Da Costa, Dowie
Next up we are away at Notts County in the league on Sunday 18th May, kick off is at 2pm.
Thanks for reading,
@LFCladiesfans
The set-up at City means supporters paying on the day have to go to a box office to purchase tickets, the printers broke leaving queues of people waiting for tickets minutes before kick-off.
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| Finally pitch-side! Or as close as can be! |
Liverpool lined up with the same side who beat Sunderland Ladies 6-0 in the game before the international break and it was the reds who had the first chance of the game; Amanda Da Costa finding Claudia Walker but her shot went over the cross bar.
Manchester City sought to quickly regain position, pressing high up the pitch. Within 5 minutes City had the start they wanted, good build up play around the 18-yard box with Toni Duggan's header leading to a cross being cleared only as far as Abbie McManus who finished fantastically well from 30 yards.
Following the goal Liverpool were quick to compose themselves, unlike when they went behind against Everton were they seemed to become frustrated. Natasha Dowie forced Steph Houghton into a clearance, Corina Schroder finding Da Costa with the throw but she couldn't find a red shirt.
Gemma Davison continued to impress going forward, working mainly from the right wing Davison also cut across the box in one impressive run but again the final ball couldn't get through. Davison was then involved in the equaliser minutes later; Corina Schroder put a good cross into the box that just missed Natasha Dowie, it came out to Davison on the other side who put it back in and this time Dowie put it in the back of the net.
Katrin Omarsdottir almost put Liverpool in front, Steph Houghton blocking the Icelandic's strike. Claudia Walker's rebound was also blocked by the England captain.
For the remainder of the first half, play was end-to-end. Dowie clearing from a City corner for Walker to chase but Bardsley got there first. Liverpool then won a corner which was headed on by Gemma Bonner, cleared by City but Bonner got back quickly to the half-way line to win back possession; the referee deeming that she had however fouled Jill Scott and awarding the blues a free kick.
Out for the second half, Manchester City began as they had the first. Looking to attack and catch the Liverpool defence out, Izzy Christianson putting them back in front shortly after the restart.
Liverpool seemed to be lacking the fluid movement they had displayed against Sunderland just a week and a half ago, credit must be given to the City defence who put in a great performance.
Liverpool playing a high line at the back meant in the second half City managed to catch us a number of times on the counter attack, Izzy Christianson beating Gemma Bonner and Lucy Bronze at one point but Libby Stout - on her return to the first team - bravely came out to brilliantly save from the striker.
Another player returning to the Liverpool side was Martha Harris, who replaced Walker on the hour. Harris was immediately involved in the action with a shot on goal headed towards the top corner but punched away by Karen Bardsley. Ashley Hodson also made an appearance, after two starts for the development squad in the last week, to add some much needed fresh legs to the Liverpool side.
For all Liverpool's possession and hard work on the wings, Corina Schroder linking well with Claudia Walker and Becky Easton pressing high up the pitch to support Gemma Davison, they couldn't break the defence down.
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| Katie Zelem should be returning from injury soon |
With Katie Zelem and Kate Longhurst both due to return in the coming weeks, Lucy Staniforth and Nicole Rolser of course out with long-term injuries, Liverpool should soon be back to full strength.
POTM: Becky Easton
XI: Stout, Easton (Hodson), Bonner (C), Bronze, Schroder, Omarsdottir, Williams, Davison, Walker (Harris), Da Costa, Dowie
Next up we are away at Notts County in the league on Sunday 18th May, kick off is at 2pm.
Thanks for reading,
@LFCladiesfans
Monday, 12 May 2014
Match Preview: Manchester City Women v Liverpool Ladies
Liverpool Ladies will travel to WSL newcomers Manchester City Women on Wednesday night in their third group game of the 2014 Continental Cup.
Liverpool beat Manchester City 1-0 in the opening game of the WSL season, despite having a first-half goal ruled out for hand ball. Natasha Dowie scored the only goal of the game and goalkeeper Libby Stout had a storming game between the posts.
Liverpool have drawn one and won one of the group games so far, undeservedly drawing 0-0 with an Everton Ladies side that proved tough to break down before thrashing Sunderland Ladies 6-0 just days later.
Reds striker Natasha Dowie bagged a hat-trick against the black cats, bringing her goals tally for 2014 up to 5 in 6 games. Gemma Davison also grabbed her first goal for the club following a string of impressive displays, while Corina Schroder and Katrin Omarsdottir rounded off the scoring.
During the display the Liverpool attack linked well, with the front 3 of Dowie, Davison and Claudia Walker linking well to create opportunities. Walker has missed both the development squad games in the last week, which is possibly an indication that she will be involved again on Wednesday night.
Since the Sunderland game a number of Liverpool players have been involved in World Cup Qualifiers; Katrin Omarsdottir was a second half substitute in Iceland's game in Switzerland, Iceland lost 3-0 and currently sit 2nd in their qualifying group on 9 points.
England continued their unbeaten run in the qualifiers with a 4-0 victory over Ukraine in Shrewsbury, Lucy Bronze, Fara Williams and Natasha Dowie all started for the Lionesses with Dowie scoring twice.
Manchester City have endured a mixed start to their first season in the top tier, currently sitting bottom of the WSL after two defeats in their opening games. City were also knocked out The FA Cup by Chelsea Ladies and lost their opening Continental Cup game after at Doncaster Belles.
Striker Toni Duggan missed the victory over her former side Everton through injury, an injury that also kept her out of the England game. Duggan is the blues top scorer with 4 goals in 5 games, although in the opening WSL match in Widnes Lucy Bronze and Gemma Bonner dealt with her effectively.
The game will played at Manchester Regional Arena, which is at the Etihad complex. Tickets can be purchased on the day, they are priced £6 adults and £4 under-16s, at either the box office or upstairs at the club shop at the ground. Kick off is at 7:30pm, Wednesday 14th May.
Thanks for reading,
@LFCladiesfans
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