MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 0 NOTTS COUNTY LADIES 2

Ellen White scored twice in the first-half for Notts County Ladies, sending them into the Continental Cup final at the expense of Liverpool Ladies.

Liverpool's bad luck with injury has been relentless this season and tonight seen Gemma Bonner, Martha Harris and Asisat Oshoala join Libby Stout, Line Smorsgard, Becky Easton, Corina Schroder and Kate Longhurst on the sidelines - Fara Williams made a welcome return from a 3 month lay-off during the game's closing stages.

Liverpool's 8 injured first team players

Due to this, the Reds had a young line up with Shannon Beckwith making her first start alongside Satara Murray, Ingrid Ryland and Maz Pacheco in defence, while with Stout still out Danielle Gibbons retained her place in goal.

Hannah Dale also came into the side but Liverpool were otherwise unchanged - Natasha Dowie up front with Rosie White and Ashley Hodson in support and Katrin Omarsdottir and Katie Zelem in midfield.

Liverpool had the first chance of the game and were denied only by the woodwork; the ball had been played out from the back initially as Beckwith intercepted a through ball, this allowed R.White and Dowie to break with the former teeing up the latter. Dowie's shot was deflected wide, R.White's corner crashed off the crossbar and Murray could only head over the rebound.

It would be County who took the lead after just 5 minutes, the referee gave a handball against Ryland and E. White headed former Everton defender Alex Greenwood's set piece across the line.

The visitors are renowned for their tricky set pieces, a free kick against Arsenal earlier in the season saw White score after what had appeared to be confusion between several players was merely a ruse. Here tonight in Widnes they tried a sneaky move again, Omarsdottir however wise to Greenwood lurking away from the dead ball and getting in the way of her strike.

Liverpool were pressing well, particularly in the midfield area with Dale buzzing everywhere, snapping at the heels of the Notts players and generally getting herself into good positions - another corner taken by R.White had fallen to the young midfielder in space outside of the box, this reaching Murray who's header towards goal was blocked. 

Another good run by Dale was picked out minutes later, R.White had been delayed taking a free kick in the Liverpool half as E.White for Notts kicked the ball away. Once she had the ball back at her feet, Pacheco had gotten herself further up the left wing and, upon receiving the ball, played it through to Dale but the pass was cut out.

Frustratingly it was then E.White who would score her second and double Notts' lead, tucking home Dani Buet's cross sent in from the right.

The best chance for Liverpool to pull a goal back came minutes before half-time as Pacheco made a powerful charge forward from left-back, her cross was chested to R.White by Omarsdottir but the New Zealand international's low drive went the wrong side of the post and the Reds went in 2 down at the break.

In the middle of the pitch Zelem gave an eye-catching performance, one driving run just before half-time seen her go all the way to the edge of the 18-yard box yet here she was quickly closed down and couldn't get a shot in. 

Zelem was also creating chances both for herself and her team mates; shooting wide from 30-yards shortly into the second half, setting Hodson up with a defence-splitting pass and then putting through Dowie - the no.9 going through on goal, battling all the way with Laura Bassett and seeing her strike stopped by Carly Telford, although a foul had been given against the striker. 

Liverpool made a trio of substitutions in the midfield area as the half grew on, Lucy Staniforth on for Dale, Mollie Green making her first team debut replacing R.White and Fara Williams, making her first appearance since picking up a hamstring injury in the league defeat against County here back in July, coming in for the impressive Zelem. 

It just wasn't to be for the Reds on the night, Dowie unable to reach Beckwith's long ball over the top and Hodson seeing the ball headed away before she could reach Pacheco's cross inside the box, while up at the other end E.White was denied her hat trick by the linesman and Jess Clarke seen a tap-in go wide.

Liverpool next face Brescia CF in their second leg Champions League Round of 32 tie this Wednesday (October 14), looking to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Italy last week.

LIVERPOOL LADIES Gibbons, Ryland, Beckwith, Murray, Pacheco, Omarsdottir, Zelem (Williams), White (Green), Dale (Staniforth), Hodson, Dowie (C)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH Katie Zelem

REPORT: BRESCIA 1 LIVERPOOL 0

LIVERPOOL LADIES were beaten by a goal to nil in their first leg Champions League Round of 32 tie.

The Reds conceded an unlucky first half goal and then proceeded to do everything but score an equaliser as the game wore on, the second leg will be playing at the Select Stadium, Widnes on Wednesday, October 14th.

There was just the one change from Sunday’s 4-2 defeat away at Bristol Academy as Ashley Hodson came in for Maz Pacheco; signalling a change in formation with Ingrid Ryland at left back, Martha Harris at right back and Gemma Bonner and Satara Murray in the middle of the defence.

Natasha Dowie of course led Liverpool from up front with Lucy Staniforth and Hodson playing wide either side of her and Rosie White, Katrin Omarsdottir and Katie Zelem in the middle. Danielle Gibbons kept her place between the posts after replacing the injured Libby Stout at the weekend.

It would be a quiet opening from both sides, yet it was Christiana Girelli and Valentina Cernoia of Brescia attempting to create the early flair; the latter twice thwarted by Ryland as the Norwegian first pressed well to prevent Cernoia’s cross meeting its target at the edge of the box and then wise to Girelli’s clever pass, intercepting the pass to quickly forward the ball to White, in turn White put Hodson through but the Brescia defender was back to challenge.

Liverpool’s early attempts seen Zelem lift the ball over the Italian back 3, just a tad too far for Dowie to connect. Then, Omarsdottir’s tidy turn in midfield allowed the Reds to switch the play, as she received the ball from the left, turning to pass along to Harris, who carried the ball forward and played a ball low towards Hodson. Hodson’s low cross was blocked, but the intent from Liverpool was promising.

Brescia’s Stefania Tarenzi was then denied by Omarsdottir after attempting to slot past the Icelandic in the box, the Italian’s had perhaps 2 or 3 players supporting Tarenzi yet Omardottir’s challenge made sure that Liverpool regained possession, allowing the Reds to break – Hodson winning a corner after a knock on from Dowie, the resulting corner delivered low by Staniforth but cleared by the defence.

After having poor luck breaking down the resilient Liverpool defence, the home side resulted to long range efforts – the first sailing easily into Gibbons’ arms, the second however eluded the keepers’ grip and went over the line to gift Brescia a 1-0 lead.

The Reds continued to press forward, Ryland far up the pitch at one point and closing down a defender at the edge of the area only for a foul to be given against her, then good pressing in and around the box seen Liverpool’s first chance, Dowie’s turn-and-shot cleared as far as Zelem who’s strike also bounced the wrong side of the post.

At half-time, Matt Beard made a change with Asisat Oshoala coming in for Hodson.

Upon the restart Liverpool also registered a shot but unfortunately, unlike against Arsenal and Bristol, Staniforth’s half way line strike landed a little short and into the arms of Chiara Marchitelli.

A bright start from Oshoala seen the Nigerian international chase balls over the top, then White picked her out and a low cross into the box towards Dowie was only pulled back because the assistant referee adjudged the no.9 to be in an offside position.

Oshoala continued to look bright, cutting back by the byline and setting up Dowie – the striker hitting the ball first time and it only just going over the crossbar. Dowie herself had had a cross blocked moments earlier after being slipped through by Ryland on the left.

It was all Liverpool at the beginning of the second half, Harris’ cross being punched away by the goalkeeper only as far as Staniforth who’s first time strike was blocked.

As the visitors looked to be getting on top and edging ever closer to an equaliser, Bonner was challenged in midfield, looking in pain, and the captain required an immediate substitution – story of Liverpool’s season – with Shannon Beckwith coming on in place of her.

Beckwith captained the club’s development squad to the league title in 2014-15 and this was her first team debut – the young centre-back putting in a highly impressive, composed, calm and confident shift. Coming forward over the half way line to intercept one forward pass – flicking it to the feet of Omarsdottir – and, prior to that, hooking the ball away under pressure from Brescia no.9 Daniela Sabatino who had only Gibbons to beat if she had passed the defender.

The away goal would however continue to elude Liverpool, a tricky run from Oshoala passed several Brescia players but the cross couldn’t meet Dowie in the centre and a late free kick from Staniforth went inches wide.

Liverpool go into the second leg a goal down, possibly a captain down as well, but with everything to play for against a very beatable side. Tickets on the gate at just £5 an adult. Support the team, get down to Widnes next Wednesday.

LIVERPOOL LADIES Gibbons, Harris, Bonner © (Beckwith), Murray, Ryland, Omarsdottir, Zelem, White, Staniforth, Hodson (Oshoala), Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH Martha Harris 

MATCH REPORT: BRISTOL 4 LIVERPOOL 2

LIVERPOOL LADIES capped off a disappointing league campaign with a final day 4-2 defeat away at Bristol Academy.

The Reds had tied the score at 1-1 after going a goal down, but the home side raced back ahead – Natasha Dowie added a late consolation, converting a corner.

Elsewhere in the league Chelsea Ladies emphatically beat Sunderland 4-0 to claim their first league title and a 2-1 victory for Manchester City, in front of an impressive crowd of 3,180, placed them second to secure Champions League football in 2016/17.

Goalkeeper Libby Stout had been injured during the closing stages of the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea Ladies last weekend and did not travel with the team – Danielle Gibbons making her return between the posts after having brain surgery in the summer.

Natasha Dowie led the line up front, with Maz Pacheco, Satara Murray, Gemma Bonner and Ingrid Ryland in defence; Rosie White playing wide left, Ingrid Ryland on the right, Lucy Staniforth and Katrin Omarsdottir in the middle and Katie Zelem playing behind Dowie.


Bristol took an early lead, Anghared James battling her way through the defence to cross low to Caroline Weir and the Scot turning well in the box from both Bonner and Harris to finish past Gibbons

Good pressure in and around the box by Liverpool would eventually pay off – first Harris’ throw-in landed at the feet of Dowie but the no.9 couldn’t turn against the tight marking and then Ryland, who has enjoyed a good run of form of late despite results, was also influential in the Reds best passing move of perhaps the entire 90 minutes.

Winning the ball in midfield, passing to Staniforth who turned to play in Omarsdottir. She carried it forward past a number of Bristol shirts before passing back wide to Ryland who still found herself in space however the cross was headed away.

The equaliser came as a result of Liverpool just getting the ball forward amongst the defence and into the box, White’s cross hitting Bristol defender Hannah Short to bring the score level.

But the home side would reassume their lead before half-time, Christie Murray lifting the ball over Gibbons and into the back of the net.

Weir almost added a third twice before half-time, first watching an audacious long range effort fly wide before being denied by Gibbons’ quick reaction save. Not long into the second half however, the Scottish international would make it 3-1 after converting a cross sent in from the left.

Staniforth, as she had against Arsenal, attempted to score from the restart and was only denied by a fingertips save from Earps. Taking the corner short and receiving the ball back, Staniforth was once more thwarted only by Earps who again sent the strike out for a corner.

Ashley Hodson had replaced Pacheco at the break, with Harris moving across to cover left-back and Ryland going to the right side of defence.

Working tirelessly again up front Dowie was drifting out wide to pick up the ball, winning multiple corners that Liverpool were unable to take advantage off.

Dowie had the ball in the back of the net after good build up play by the Reds, Ryland’s throw finding Omarsdottir who was quickly closed down and passed back up the line to Ryland who then picked out Zelem; the midfielder setting Dowie up with a through ball who finished nicely but the assistant referee had flagged for offside.

Bristol also had a goal disallowed for offside shortly afterwards, however soon made it 4-1 with Tatiana Pinto getting on the score sheet

With the score at 4-1 Liverpool refused to back down, Zelem shooting wide after a cut back from substitute Asisat Oshoala and Staniforth having a driving free kick blocked.

Dowie pulled a goal back after a series of corners. White swung a corner in towards the back post, this was headed on by Bonner and sent over the line by Dowie – scoring her 6th goal past Bristol this year.

They kept pushing, looking to close the gap further, Dowie cutting in from the left to win a corner in a move that mirrored an earlier move. This came to nothing and after 4 minutes of added time, the already relegated Bristol side finished their season with a 4-2 win.


The defeat caps a disappointing league season for Liverpool Ladies, never able to get off the ground and marred by injuries to key players throughout – Corina Schroder missing the majority of the year, Fara Williams still yet to return after 3 months out and Kate Longhurst the most recent to be side lined.

Becky Easton, Danielle Gibbons, Satara Murray, Ingrid Ryland, Line Smorsgard, Ashley Hodson, Katrin Omarsdottir, Asisat Oshoala, Libby Stout and Lucy Staniforth have all missed games, a total of 14 first team players and Liverpool have never had a fully fit squad for Matt Beard to choose a starting 11 from.

Despite this, there are positives the Reds can carry forward into the next season – for whichever manager comes in. The players have shown grit and determination, especially young players Maz Pacheco, Katie Zelem and Ashley Hodson who might not have had the game time without the injuries.

It was also pleasing to see Shannon Beckwith on the bench against Bristol, Beckwith is a talented young centre-back who reads the game well and captained the club’s development side to the league title earlier this year. Rachel Darbyshire and Mollie Green have also gained valuable experience being around the first team both in training and on match days.

Gemma Bonner has performed remarkably for a struggling side, Martha Harris has had a fine second season, Natasha Dowie’s goals once again proving a bright spark and Kate Longhurst had been exceptional up until her injury – playing every position but goalkeeper.

Liverpool have an important trio of games over the next couple of weeks, starting with an away tie at Brescia CF this upcoming Wednesday in the Champions League Round of 32 and the home leg a week later – both games will be screened live on LFCTV. In the middle of the Champions League games the Reds also face Notts County in the Continental Cup semi-final at Select Stadium, Widnes, Sunday 11th October.

Get behind the Reds. Tickets available for both home games on the gate.

LIVERPOOL LADIES Gibbons, Harris, Bonner ©, Murray, Pacheco (Hodson), Ryland, Staniforth, Omarsdottir (Oshoala), White, Zelem, Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH Ingrid Ryland

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 4 Chelsea Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies suffered a heavy home league defeat to Chelsea Ladies in front of a 1000+ strong crowd in Widnes; PFA Player of the Year Ji So-Yun scored twice and England's Eni Aluko and Fran Kirby bagged a goal each.

 The Reds lined up in a 3-5-2 formation - Natasha Dowie given a partner up front in Line Smorsgard and Katie Zelem playing just behind them. Lucy Staniforth and Katrin Omarsdottir completed the midfield line-up with Ingrid Ryland at left-wing-back and Rosie White on the right.

 Libby Started started in goal behind the back 3 of Martha Harris, Satara Murray and Gemma Bonner.

 The formation gave Liverpool a lot of width in contrast to the narrow Chelsea set-up, Ryland and White both consistently finding themselves with a lot of space on the wings - Ryland in particular impressing out wide and with the Reds first real chance of the game after Staniforth's ball picked her out on the wing, the Norwegian beat Hannah Blundell to unleash a strike from outside the box but hitting the woodwork.

 With the effort coming midway through the first half, this saw the beginning of a short period of time wherein Liverpool were on top and had Chelsea pinned around their own box.

  Just moments after Ryland hit the post, Liverpool had Chelsea rattled again; White winning a corner after seeing her cross blocked and sending the set piece towards Bonner who's header also crashed off the frame of the goal. Murray sent the rebound back out to White, who played a one-two with Staniforth before sending another cross into the box but this was cleared.

 The visiting team had temporarily been reduced to 10 after Niamh Fahey was forced to leave to pitch for stitches after a clash with Dowie, but Liverpool were unable to capitalize on the slight advantage and would be left cursing the crossbar as Chelsea took the lead.

 Aluko had initially been forced away by Bonner but Davison on the opposite wing had better luck, crossing to So-Yun who controlled the ball well at the edge of the 6-yard box and finished past Stout to make it 1-0.

  Stout then denied Kirby from going through on goal after a well-timed run eluded the defence, the no.1 with a sliding challenge outside of her area.

 This was followed by a wonderful solo effort from Zelem, who went on a driving run through the centre of the pitch to shoot from 30 yards - striking the ball cleanly dipping towards the top corner and Swedish international Hedvig Lindahl punching it out for a corner.

 Liverpool were pressing for an equaliser as Bonner pressed high up the pitch to receive a long ball from Staniforth by the corner flag, the captain's cross deflected out for a throw from which White was unable to put the ball inside the box.

 5 minutes before half-time, Chelsea doubled their lead after Aluko cut the ball back to the waiting Kirby who made no mistakes from 6 yards out.

 Liverpool had made a change at the break as Maz Pacheco came on for Ryland, this bringing no change in formation.

 The lop-sided scoreline going into the second-half barely told the story of the game, Liverpool had had an abundance of activity in and around the box with numerous corners yet had been unlucky with hitting the post twice and perhaps just not being as clinical as the Londoners.

 Less than 10 minutes after half-time, Chelsea got the killer 3rd goal when Aluko pounced on a back pass to put herself on the score sheet after getting the earlier assist for Kirby.

 Before this Liverpool had continued to get the ball forward, Bonner's forward pass looking for Dowie and then Smorsgard with a neat cross from the outside of her boot.

 The Reds refused to give up and at 3-0 White was unlucky not to pull a goal back after an excellent run from Harris, cutting in from the right to tee up the New Zealander for a strike that went inches wide.

 Both Ashley Hodson and Asisat Oshoala took to the pitch replacing Staniforth and Smorsgard, the latter making her return from a 2-month injury lay off and looking bright - a nice pull back and looping cross into the box looking for fellow substitute Hodson but caught by Lindahl.

 It would finish 4-0, Chelsea firmly placing themselves back at the top of the league table with one game to play - So Yun had opened the scoring and finished it with Davison once again providing the cross.

 Into injury time at the end of the 90 minutes, Stout was caught by Borges with the Reds keeper going down clutching her shoulder and requiring treatment on the pitch. With a number of important games coming up from next week, Liverpool will be hoping Stout's injury wasn't serious

 Full-time: Liverpool Ladies 0 - 4 Chelsea Ladies

LIVERPOOL XI Stout, Bonner (C), Murray, Harris, White, Omarsdottir, Staniforth, Ryland (Pacheco), Zelem, Smorsgard, Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH Martha Harris

MATT BEARD TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL LADIES

 Matt Beard is set to leave Liverpool Ladies at the end of the 2015 season and join Boston Breakers in the NWSL.

 Matt has managed Liverpool Ladies for 3 years, taking over in August 2012 to oversee the final games of the 2012 season but unable to prevent the Reds from finishing bottom of the league for the second year running.

 That winter Liverpool were transformed, with almost an entire new starting 11 joining the club - goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill had joined mid-season.

 England international Fara Williams arrived from Everton, along with Becky Easton, Natasha Dowie and Lucy Bronze while Gemma Bonner followed Beard from his former club Chelsea and was appointed team captain. Whitney Engen also signed up alongside fellow American Amanda Da Costa and soon-to-be regulars Corina Schroder, Nicole Rolser, Katrin Omarsdottir and Louise Fors arrived from Europe.

 At the beginning of 2013, Beard targeted a top 4 finish from his new-look side allowing time for them to settle as a team yet Liverpool started the season strongly and began to sweep their opposition aside with ease - a famous 4-0 win over an unbeaten for almost 2 years Arsenal Ladies side was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea and 4-1 wins over both Everton and Birmingham.

 By the mid-season break Liverpool were top of the league on goal difference, had exited The FA Cup in the semi-finals to Arsenal but through to the semis of the Continental Cup. More players arrived during the summer transfer window - now fan-favourite Kate Longhurst, New Zealand's Sara Gregorius, England youth internationals Ellie Stewart and Katie Zelem and on-loan keeper Rachael Laws.

 A tough run of games followed the break, a league defeat to Arsenal preceded a cup exit to Lincoln on penalties however the next 2 games would define the season, beating title challengers Bristol and Chelsea 4-3 in battling performances.

 In the Bristol game Liverpool raced 3-1 ahead before Bristol pulled it back to 3-3 - Gemma Bonner popping up minutes from time with a 40-yard screamer to take all 3 points. While at home against Chelsea, the opposite happened; Liverpool fell 2-0 behind in the opening 20 minutes. Goals either side of half-time from Williams and Rolser would make it 2-2 but the Reds would go behind again from an own goal. Natasha Dowie has been a key player for Beard over the years and was instrumental in Liverpool stealing the win here, scoring a header to make it 3-3 and then setting up Rolser for the winning goal.

 From here on, Liverpool went undefeated to lift the league title - their first major honour - and also securing Champions League football for the first time in the club's history.

2013 SEASON REVIEW

  Into 2014, Matt Beard continued to build his side - Lucy Staniforth, Libby Stout, Martha Harris and Gemma Davison arriving to strengthen the squad amid the departures of Whitney Engen and Louise Fors.

 Liverpool however were hit by an injury curse, Rolser and Staniforth both ruled out for the entire season after serious knee injuries and Zelem out for 2 months with a broken collarbone. Liverpool were also missing numerous players for games throughout the first half of the campaign.

 Despite this Beard's team kept themselves at the right end of the table, putting themselves into a good position to challenge during the second half of the season - and challenge they did, an audacious Fara Williams winner away at Birmingham during the run-in and a last-gasp equaliser from Davison against her former side Arsenal placed Liverpool in 3rd spot going into the final day.

 Of the 2 teams above them, Chelsea needed only a point away at a new Manchester City side that has struggled to gel in the way Liverpool had the year before. If Chelsea were unable to get a point, then Birmingham could beat Notts at home to take the title.

 Somehow both Chelsea and Birmingham failed to get the results they needed, and Liverpool - who had beaten Bristol 3-0 - were crowned champions for the second year running against all odds.

2014 SEASON REVIEW

  Away from the two title wins, Beard has overseen changes in the youth set up at Liverpool. In 2013 the development squad was overhauled and has since gone on to win their league - along with the U17s team winning The FA Youth Cup in 2014.

 This year the first team has once again struggled with injury, but still have the Continental Cup to play for with an upcoming semi-final and will be looking to go further in the Champions League which begins in 2 weeks.

 The team around the team has also improved greatly, Scott Rogers, Joe Potts, Kirsty Hicks, Kat Wise et al - this without mentioning the coaches of the youth sides.

 On a personal note I'd like to thank Matt for everything over the last 3 years, he's transformed this team and club while being wholly approachable and friendly towards supporters throughout. Hiring Matt is a big statement from Boston, who will be hoping he can turn their fortunes around in the way he did for Liverpool.

 It's been an absolute pleasure following Liverpool under Matt.

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 4 - 2 Stoke City (U17s)

 Liverpool Ladies U17s staged an impressive comeback to beat Stoke City 4-2; Ainscow scored either side of half-time to draw the score level before substitute Boydell netted a vital brace to win the game.

 The Reds lined up with Myler in goal behind a back 4 of Howard, McPartlan, Yeldrem and Powell. Ainscow led the line up front with Thomas, Pemberton and Parry behind her, Cole on the right and Charles on the left.

 Liverpool were quick out the blocks and looking to use their pace to expose the width on the wings, Thomas coming out to the left and cutting the ball toward Charles who found Ainscow with the ball sent out for a corner.

 England youth international Cole was on set piece duties throughout, with a number of impressive balls into the box - 2 successive corners in the opening minutes, both towards Pemberton first at the near post and then the back, were dealt with by the defence before another towards a charging Ainscow moments later was cleared.

 Despite the early pressure, a bit of luck gave Stoke their opener - a free kick sent into the box from the halfway line only just trickling over the line after Myler stretched to get a hand to it.

 1-0 up, the visitors almost doubled their lead immediately with another free kick narrowly headed over the crossbar while Myler was again called into action claiming crosses from both the right and left wings.

 Once more Liverpool piled forward in numbers, winning a free kick of their own from which Parry's ball was met by Ainscow but cleared.

 Charles then did well to win the ball back in her own half, passing the ball infield to Thomas who's pinpoint pass found Cole out wide left. Cole's tricky feet were too much for the Stoke's left-back, who brought her down and Cole sent the resulting set piece just wide of the post.

 Unfortunately Stoke would capitalise on a quick counter attack to score a second a well-taken strike at the edge of the 18-yard box moments after Liverpool had them penned in by the corner flag.

 At 2-0 down, Liverpool continued to impress. Never looking panicked and keeping their composure, passing the ball well and building up their chances confidently.

 They were eventually rewarded for their efforts before half-time, Powell finding herself in space on the right wing and crossing to Ainscow at the near post who clipped the ball past the goalkeeper with the side of her foot to pull a goal back.

 Sensing an opportunity to equalise before the break, Charles sent a cross into the box - this was tipped away by the keeper only as far as Cole who carried the ball back goal wards and looked to put through Ainscow but her pass was intercepted.

 Cole herself then seen the keeper get a hand to her low drive and the score remained 2-1 to Stoke at half-time.

 Out for the second-half there were 2 changes to the back line, Sophie Rotherham coming on for Howard at right-back and Tia Lander in for Yeldrem in central defence.

 Liverpool continued to attack using the wings, notably the left with Powell and Charles overlapping and Cole sending a cross towards goal from that side also.

 The Reds scored their equaliser only minutes into the half, Ainscow pouncing on a Powell free kick with a lovely finish across the face of goal.

 As the team flourished in attack, the defence too - with McPartlan in particular - looked impressive; As Stoke looked to play long balls over the top McPartlan read these well, taking a step back and preventing the forward from turning.

 Now looking to go ahead for the first time Liverpool made a number of substitutions, Cassia Pike on for Cole, Meg Boydell for Charles, Caitlin Gerrard for Parry and Jessica Tomlinson for Pemberton.

 Pike gave the Reds a different option on the right, and linked well with Rotherham behind her. One attack seen Rotherham charge forward with the ball, get herself into the box and pass out wide to Pike - almost connecting with the return pass but stopped by the defence before she could get a shot in.

 Rotherham also proved tough to beat defensively, nothing getting past her for the second 45 minutes.

 A late double from Boydell would secure the 3 points for Liverpool, first the substitute put her side in front after converting a corner then in injury time scored the pick of the afternoon's goals after controlling the ball well at the edge of the box and volleying it over the keeper.

 Before Boydell scored the 4th and final goal, Myler had been alert and came out of her box to clear up a loose ball and the keeper also put in a commanding performance behind her defence, constantly talking to them and the rest of the team.

 LIVERPOOL: Myler, Howard (Rotherham), McPartlan, Yeldam (Lander), Powell, Parry, Pemberton, Thomas, Cole, Charles, Ainscow

 PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Ainscow

MATCH REPORT: Bristol Academy 1 - 4 Liverpool Ladies

Liverpool Ladies booked their place in the Continental Cup semi-finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Bristol Academy; Natasha Dowie scoring all 4 goals.

Dowie had looked isolated during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City midweek and led the line for Liverpool on the afternoon here admirably ahead of an attacking trio of Katie Zelem, Kate Longhurst and Rosie White with Katrin Omarsdottir and Lucy Staniforth in midfield.

Libby Stout started in goal, despite pulling her groin – Gemma Bonner taking over goal kick duties and partnering Satara Murray in the centre of defence with Ingrid Ryland returning at left- back and Martha Harris on the right. 

Two weeks earlier these sides had met in a league tie, with Liverpool coming out 2-0 winners in that game, since Bristol have suffered a 3-0 defeat to Birmingham – a result that effectively condemns them to relegation, as they sit 5 points adrift of the midlands side with 2 games to play.

This meant that, like Liverpool, Bristol are left fighting on just one front competitively and initially proved tough for the Reds to break down.

Twice in the opening minutes probing through ball were sent through the defence for Dowie to chase, while Harris was pressing high up the pitch and linking with Longhurst out wide trying to find an opening.

Liverpool’s first chance came from a set piece, with Staniforth having switched back to taking corners and playing an inviting low ball towards the incoming White at the near post. The New Zealander sending her effort curling just inches wide of the post. 

Staniforth was involved again moments later as the Reds embarked on a wonderful passing move; Longhurst winning possession on the half way line, sending the ball to Zelem on the right wing who clipped it first time in towards Staniforth who herself passed back out wide to Dowie – Dowie’s cross fizzing across the box but White unable to connect.

Throughout the 90 minutes Liverpool continued to display fine passing, moving the ball quickly despite Bristol’s attempts to close them down; Dowie flicking Harris’ throw-in to the feet of Omarsdottir and Ryland playing her best game in the shirt yet, making a number of mazy runs down the left.

The first shot the home side had on target was well saved by Stout and Bonner once more made defending look effortless as she side-stepped Christie Murray to bring the ball out of defence.

Before taking the lead, Dowie was twice denied at close range by Mary Earps in the Bristol goal. First after meeting a pinpoint pass over the top of the defence by Zelem and then after connecting with Harris’ cross.

Dowie had so far been eluded by the England U23 goalkeeper from open play, however Earps couldn’t produce a save for Dowie’s spot kick – awarded after White was pulled down in the box – with the Reds leading goal scorer stepping up to send her the wrong way and place the penalty in the bottom left corner to give Liverpool a deserved 1-0 lead.

Bristol almost responded immediately after Anghared James powered forward into the Reds area, her run was matched all the way by Murray and her cut back cleared by Harris.

They would soon have their equaliser however, summer signing Jade Boho-Sayo with the long-range strike to beat Stout and the sides went in at half-time level.

Half-time: Bristol Academy 1 – 1 Liverpool Ladies

Liverpool continued the second-half as they had begun the first, attacking in numbers and passing the ball well. 

Ryland won an early corner after good work on the left wing; Staniforth’s ball headed on at the back post by Bonner but Dowie unable to send it goal wards.

Bristol themselves then had a corner, shortly after Boho-Sayo tried her luck from range after but this attempt drifting wide. The corner was cleared to the edge of the box where the waiting Hayley Ladd struck it first time – this blocked by the Liverpool defence. 

Having already conceded once Liverpool never really looked in danger of conceding a second, with the strength of the attacking play particularly down the left with Ryland and White and it seemed only a matter of time until the visitors regained their lead.

The goal eventually came, White passing back up the wing to Ryland and the Norwegians cross being dinked over Earps by Dowie – her 40th goal for Liverpool.

Once going back ahead, it suddenly became all Liverpool with the team looking confident. Ashley Hodson came on for Omarsdottir and looked lively from her first touch, joining the fast paced attack on the right. 

Dowie soon had her hat-trick, White setting her through the defence – despite Bristol’s offside claims – and Dowie keeping her composure to finish low past Earps.

Liverpool then had numerous chances to make it 4-1; White somehow kept out at close range after a brilliant cross from Hodson then Hodson herself having a strike saved after being put through by White and Zelem and Dowie both hitting the crossbar.

Late substitutions seen Mayumi Pacheco and Line Smorsgard come on for Ingrid Ryland and Rosie White; Smorsgard having a claim for a penalty waved away by the referee.

To the home crowd’s dismay it would end 4-1 to Liverpool, who else but Natasha Dowie to round off a prolific afternoon in front of goal with another well-taken strike to beat Earps.

Liverpool march on into the semi-finals where they will meet one of Notts County, Birmingham City or Arsenal/ Manchester City.

Full-time: Bristol Academy 1 – 4 Liverpool Ladies

LIVERPOOL Stout, Harris, Murray, Bonner ©, Ryland (Pacheco), Omarsdottir (Hodson), Staniforth, Zelem, Longhurst, White (Smorsgard), Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH Natasha Dowie