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.

  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.

  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

MATCH REPORT: Manchester City Women 2 – 0 Liverpool Ladies

Liverpool Ladies fell to their 3rd straight defeat as goals from Izzy Christianson and Natasha Harding kept Manchester City’s title dreams alive with just 2 games remaining of the Women’s Super League season.
There were 3 changes to the side beaten by Arsenal Ladies at the weekend, Ingrid Ryland coming into an otherwise unchanged back line with Martha Harris at right-back, Gemma Bonner and Satara Murray in the centre and Libby Stout in goal.
Katie Zelem dropped to the bench in favour of Lucy Staniforth, who would partner Katrin Omarsdottir in midfield while Line Smorsgard came in for Ashley Hodson on the left of the attack – Kate Longhurst on the right with Rosie White playing behind Natasha Dowie.
Manchester City are a side high on confidence after a run of 10 wins in 11 games, yet for the majority of the opening 45 minutes Liverpool’s defence stood strong. Bonner stopping Bronze in the opening minute, Staniforth with a clever interception at the edge of the area and Murray picking up a low pass looking for Natasha Harding.
Harris had had a great game in the previous league match against Arsenal and continued to impress here, tasked with marking the tricky Nikita Parris and containing her throughout the 90 minutes.
On the wing Harris would also face City left-back Demi Stokes, who had played well during her sides 1-0 win over Sunderland on Sunday but, like Parris, Stokes met her match in Harris and was limited to crossing early – not threatening Liverpool.
When in possession Liverpool looked to attack down the right of the pitch, with Harris winning successive throw-ins early on in the half and using these to edge further up the touchline, linking with Longhurst who would win the first corner of the game.
The home side were playing high up the pitch, Jill Scott in particular looking to be playing further forward than usual and seemingly camping out by the back post for the majority of the first half. In retaliation to this Reds captain Bonner urged her team mates forward to play a higher defensive line.
City continued to enjoy most of the games chances, Stout came off her line to prevent Harding connecting with a Scott through ball, Bonner put in an excellently timed sliding challenge in the box and Harris continued to win her battles with Parris. Stout also denied Harding at the near post before Murray did well to stay on her feet and win the ball off Parris 18 yards out.
On the stroke of half-time, City would take the lead; Christianson firing past Stout after a trademark move from former Liverpool defender Lucy Bronze – who had powered forward from right-back before cutting the ball back into the path of Christianson. Liverpool were incensed as just moments earlier a foul had been given against the Reds in the box after a good delivery from a White corner.
Half-time – Manchester City Women 1 – 0 Liverpool Ladies
Liverpool came under fire again in the second half, Stout strongly punching away a Christianson corner before brilliantly saving at close range from Harding – the rebound from Christianson blocked by Bonner, who also stopped another Bronze cross meeting its target.
Harding was leading the City front line in the absence of Toni Duggan, who Man City announced yesterday will miss the remainder of this season with an ankle injury. Harding herself only recently returned from injury and continued to test the Reds defence – Murray getting across and in front of the Welsh international to prevent her getting a shot in and then a low cross intercepted by Harris and cleared by Murray.
Shortly after a quick City counter-attack in which Staniforth was booked for a challenge on Christianson, Harding would double her side’s lead with 15 minutes to play – converting a Georgia Stanway cross at the near post.
Liverpool’s final substitution came late in the game with Maz Pacheco replacing Staniforth, following the earlier substitutions of Ashley Hodson and Katie Zelem on for Smorsgard and Longhurst. This signalling a change in formation, Harris moving into a back 3 alongside Bonner and Murray with Pacheco and Ryland at wing back.
The change gave Liverpool more width in their attacking play, in the final move of the game Pacheco won the ball from Bronze at the half way line and Liverpool pressed forward, switching the ball across to Ryland who had cut in but the Norwegian was unable to turn at the edge of the box and was eventually forced back.
After the defeat Liverpool remain 6th in the league table, with a home game against Chelsea Ladies on Saturday 26thSeptember and a final day tie against Bristol Academy a week later.
LIVERPOOL – Stout, Harris, Murray, Bonner ©, Ryland, Omarsdottir, Staniforth (Pacheco), Smorsgard (Hodson), Longhurst (Zelem), White, Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Martha Harris

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 0 – 2 Arsenal Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies slipped to a 2-0 league defeat at home to Arsenal Ladies; the Gunners had missed a first-half penalty but secured the 3 points with second-half strikes from Dominique Janssen and Jordan Nobbs.

 After playing a rotated side against Manchester City last weekend, and losing Becky Easton to a broken arm, there were a number of changes to the starting 11; Martha Harris returning to right-back amongst an otherwise unchanged backline that included Gemma Bonner, Satara Murray and Mayumi Pacheco with Libby Stout in goal.

 In midfield Kate Longhurst, Katrin Omarsdottir and Katie Zelem also returned to the line up, along with Ashley Hodson on the right of the attack – Natasha Dowie and Rosie White retaining their places.

 Arsenal came into this game looking to put pressure on Chelsea Ladies at the top of the table, the Gunners now sit in second place behind Chelsea with their fellow Londoners having one more game to play and their intent was clear from the opening whistle as they constantly closed down Liverpool, pressing high up the pitch.

 It was Liverpool however who would have the game’s first chance, Zelem with a lovely through ball to Dowie who carried it forward down the right wing before cutting in behind former England captain Casey Stoney and firing just wide of the post.

 Zelem was also proving influential at the opposite end of the pitch, well positioned for two of Arsenal’s corners to block the delivery at the near post and then recovering well to dispossess striker Natalia Pablos Sanchon at the edge of the area.

 For the visitors most of their attacks were being forged on the right, with Danielle Carter out wide and linking well with Alex Scott – one clever pass from Carter being sent whizzing across the face of goal by Scott, Nobbs connecting with the rebound but hitting her shot straight at Stout.

 Jordan Nobbs almost drifted out wide, seemingly having a free role in the midfield, but was consistently stopped by Pacheco – who also stood strong against Carter. On one occasion Pacheco went to the aid of Dowie, winning the ball on the half way line and sending it towards the chasing Hodson but Arsenal keeper Sari Van Veenendaal was quick off her line to snuff out the attack.

 Van Veenendaal was called into action again minutes later, Dowie laying the ball off into the path of White who struck it well, curling to the top left corner but the keeper got across to save. Then, spotting the keeper off her line – a theme that will resurface later – White attempted a lob from distance, the effort dipping only just over the crossbar.

 As the game approached half-time, Murray conceded a penalty – previously booked for a challenge in the opening 5 minutes. Luckily for the Reds Natalia stepped up to send a weak spot kick wide of the post and the score remained 0-0 as the opening 45 minutes drew to a close.

 Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure as play resumed for the second-half, Stout tipping away Carter’s strike and Bonner carrying the ball to safety before herself denying Carter with a great sliding interception to prevent Vicky Losada’s pass from reaching the Gunners no.9.

 Bonner would then have Liverpool’s best chance to take the lead, beating Marta Corredera with ease in her own half and sending a long ball to Dowie who had drifted out wide. Dowie winning a throw that would lead to a corner and White’s set piece delivered perfectly to Reds captain Bonner in the middle of the 6-yard box, who hit the ball on the volley and was somehow denied by an excellent save from Van Veenendaal.

 Liverpool would cause panic again with the corner this save resulted in, Hodson’s shot spilled but the Reds unable to capitalise.

 Just as the home side appeared to be getting on top, with Longhurst looking to be playing higher up the pitch and Lucy Staniforth coming on for Katie Zelem, Arsenal were awarded a free kick yards from the 18-yard box, Janssen stepping up and converting the set piece with a well-taken strike.

 From kick-off Liverpool almost pulled a goal back immediately through substitute Staniforth as the midfielder spotted Van Veenendaal off her line and attempted to lob the ball over the keeper from the halfway, an impressive effort was just as impressively tipped over the bar by the retreating keeper.

 Staniforth then threaded a neat ball to Dowie, who couldn’t quite get a shot in being crowded out by the two central defender, and looped a great pass over the defence for the hard working Harris to chase – the right-back doing well to get a touch on the ball with the looming goalkeeper but unable to get a shot in.

 With less than 10 minutes remaining, Arsenal doubled their lead with Nobbs finishing past Stout from the edge of the 6-yard box. Liverpool thought they had pulled a goal back shortly later after a Staniforth free kick looked to be over the line after initially bouncing around the  box, the better placed linesman confidently saying no goal and the game finishing 2-0 to Arsenal.

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

 POTM Martha Harris

MATCH REPORT: MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN 2 – 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES

 Liverpool Ladies were defeated 2-0 at the Academy Stadium by Manchester City Women in their final Continental Cup group game; Toni Duggan scoring a first-half penalty before Isabel Christianson doubled the home side’s lead.
 The Reds had already qualified for the tournament’s quarter-final stage after beating Sunderland Ladies midweek and Matt Beard used this game to rotate his squad, giving minutes to players who haven’t featured much during the second-half of the season.
 There were then 5 changes to the team that beat Sunderland, Lucy Staniforth and Hannah Dale returning to the starting 11 in place of Katrin Omarsdottir and Katie Zelem in midfield, with Becky Easton ahead of the back 4 of Ingrid Ryland, Gemma Bonner, Satara Murray and Mayumi Pacheco – Libby Stout in goal. Natasha Dowie once again led the line supported by Rosie White and Line Smorsgard up front.
 Martha Harris and Ashley Hodson joined Omarsdottir and Zelem amongst the substitutes, however Kate Longhurst was not part of the match day squad.

 The home side started the game strongly, buoyed by an impressive home crowd of 1,890, with Lucy Bronze making powerful runs forward from right-back linking and overlapping with Joey Johnston. Former Liverpool player Bronze being City’s stand out performer during the early stages, one fiercely struck cross skimming the heads of everyone in the box and another well held by Stout.
 For all their possession, City initially couldn’t make it count. A Demi Stokes ball in from the left also trundled safely into the hands of Stout – who also denied Bronze again – and Liverpool almost punished City early on with successive corners.
 The first set piece was won by the in-form Dowie, who had dropped out wide to pick the ball up and won a corner after battling with Jennifer Beattie on the byline. White swung the ball in for Dowie to connect but her touch was deflected out for another, Dowie once again coming into contact after an initial clearance from City was sent back in towards goal by Bonner but the strike went wide of the post.
 Manchester City took the lead midway through the first-half, Murray dispossessed and Nikita Parris breaking into the 18-yard box. Murray got back to challenge Parris however was deemed to have fouled the forward with the referee awarding a penalty and booking the Reds defender. Toni Duggan stepped up to take the spot kick, converting to put her side ahead despite Stout diving the right way.
 Dale and Dowie both seen chances to equalise blocked, Dale’s strike beating Karen Bardsley but taking a deflection from a City defender to go out for a corner and Dowie superbly denied by Bronze after countering and beating both of the centre-backs. The block was to be Bronze’s last contribution of the afternoon as she hurt herself during the process and was replaced by Abbie McManus.
 Liverpool themselves were forced into a substitution before half-time, Easton injuring her arm in a collision with Duggan with Omarsdottir taking her place.
 Having lost Bronze’s influence, City’s attack faltered as the teams emerged for the second-half and Liverpool re-appeared looking revitalised and pressing higher up the pitch. Dale shot over the crossbar from outside the area, then Dowie was unfortunate to be prevented from turning by Steph Houghton after receiving the ball from White and Pacheco’s cross after patient build-up play was deflected into Bardsley’s arms.
 The first City chance of the second-half came as Parris sent a strike wide from a tight angle, Bonner then blocked a low drive out for a corner and the resulting set piece was eventually headed away by White.
 With the momentum of the game seemingly on Liverpool’s side, they were unfortunate to concede a second goal – a back pass to Stout slightly under hit with Christianson lurking, the City midfielder closed down Stout and – with the ball flying up in the air – rounded the Reds keeper and nodded the ball over the line from a yard out.
 Both Zelem and Hodson took to the pitch in the second-half as Liverpool looked to pull a goal back, Zelem immediately involved in the thick of the action and winning a corner that was ultimately headed away by Jill Scott. Hodson’s introduction also began to cause City problems on the right, her pace troubling Stokes.
 Despite the score line Bonner was once more excellent at the back, in the first half stopping Christianson in a sea of shirts at the edge of the box and during the second producing a number of blocks and sliding interceptions to deny City a third.
LIVERPOOL: Stout, Ryland, Bonner ©, Murray, Pacheco, Easton (Omarsdottir), Dale (Zelem), Staniforth, Smorsgard (Hodson), White, Dowie

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Gemma Bonner

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 2 – 0 SUNDERLAND LADIES

 Nastasha Dowie was on the score sheet once again on Wednesday evening as Liverpool Ladies booked their place in the Continental Cup quarter-finals, beating Sunderland Ladies 2-0 in Widnes. Dowie also provided the assist for Katrin Omarsdottir’s 90th minute strike to seal the victory for the Reds.

 Liverpool’s impressive defensive back line remained unchanged, Libby Stout in goal behind Martha Harris, Gemma Bonner, Becky Easton and Mayumi Pacheco – recording their fourth straight clean sheet of the competition. In midfield Omarsdottir came in for Lucy Staniforth, who was sitting this one out through illness, alongside Katie Zelem and Kate Longhurst with Rosie White, Ashley Hodson and Dowie up front.

 The Reds have enjoyed an upturn in form recently and from the opening whistle dominated their visitors, who were not helped by being forced into an early substitution after Vicky Williams collided with her own player and was replaced by Vicky Greenwell.

 Dowie has scored in each of Liverpool’s cup wins so far and was involved in the thick of the action once more; cleverly flicking Harris’ throw to the feet of Zelem, whose low drive from just inside the area was collected at the near post by Hilde Gunn Olsen in the Sunderland goal. The no.9 was then the target for Harris’ probing ball into the 6-yard box, Olsen stretching to tip the ball away minutes before Dowie would head narrowly wide from Bonner’s pinpoint forward pass – this after Pacheco’s cross had been cleared.

 Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure, pressing through the excellent work rate of Longhurst and Hodson and passing the ball around well, never allowing the frustration of being unable to break Sunderland down affect their play; the Reds were also quick on the counter attack, Zelem and White combining, with the latter sending a through ball straight past the centre backs and Zelem chasing but Olsen was wise to the danger and came off her line to halt the run.

 With the score tied at 0-0 despite a high amount of chances for the home side, Sunderland’s Beth Mead appeared to get around the back of the Liverpool defence. Poised to shoot on the 18-yard box, Easton swooped in with a feracious block to deny Mead and send the ball out for a corner – which came to nothing.

 The game somehow remained goalless at half-time despite Dowie hitting the crossbar, White seeing her rebound strike from Zelem’s blocked header cleared off the line and Omarsdottir having a free kick deflected by the wall.

 Sunderland’s chances were few and far between during the first 45 minutes, and defeat here would end their hopes of finishing in the top 2 of the Continental Cup group and automatic qualification for the quarter-finals. So it was no surprise to see them coming out fighting during the second half.

 The introduction of Abbey Joice early in the half gave the Black Cats more of an attacking edge, however twice as Joice squared the ball in towards Brooke Chaplen the former Everton midfielder could only send her shots over the crossbar. Mead also continued to be denied, first by Bonner who blocked a shot and then by Harris who put an end to her run down the left wing and forced Sunderland to retreat.

 As the Liverpool defence stood strong, Dowie and White together won a corner, the resulting set piece swung in by White – who had taken over duties from the sidelined Staniforth – and Dowie heading over the line from 2 yards out to give the Reds a deserved 1-0 lead.

 Easton produced another of her now classic sliding tackles to prevent Sarah McFadden continuing her run, while Bonner continually tidied up at the back – stopping Chaplen’s low ball all too easily. Stout was also twice called into action, first to collect Rachel Furness’ tricky low strike and then expertly tipping Mead’s goal bound effort over the crossbar.

 With the game entering the final few minutes, Liverpool won another corner which White once again stepped up to take; Dowie had positioned herself parallel to the 18-yard box and upon receiving the ball short from White, played a one-two with Bonner before crossing to Omarsdottir at the back post who could make no mistakes smashing the ball pas Olsen to secure the 3 points and the quarter-final spot for the Reds ahead of their final group fixture away at Manchester City on Sunday.

 Liverpool XI Stout, Harris, Bonner (C), Easton, Pacheco, Omarsdottir, Longhurst (Murray), Zelem (Smorsgard), Hodson (Ryland), White, Dowie

 POTM Natasha Dowie

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 2 – 0 Bristol Academy

 Natasha Dowie scored a goal in each half as Liverpool Ladies secured an important 3 points with a 2-0 victory over Bristol Academy in Widnes on Saturday night.

 The brace from the in-form no.9 lifts the Reds to 13 points, leaving them 6th in the league and just 7 from the top of the table.

 Both Dowie and Rosie White returned to the starting 11 after their game-changing substitute appearances against Durham WFC last weekend; they were joined by Ashley Hodson and Kate Longhurst in attack, with Lucy Staniforth partnering Katie Zelem in midfield in front of an unchanged back 4 of Martha Harris, Gemma Bonner, Becky Easton and Mayumi Pacheco; Libby Stout in goal.

 492 supporters were in attendance to watch a cagey opening from the two teams, early probes forward from Bristol were stopped by Stout and an excellent block from Easton to deny Jade Boho-Sayo a shot on goal. Sophie Ingle also fired over for the visitors after Bonner had headed away a set piece.

 At the other end of the pitch, Staniforth had a free kick punched away from the bottom corner while White’s pass to Dowie in the final third was intercepted by Dutch defender Marje Brummel and Longhurst was pulled back for offside after being set through by Zelem.

 Prior to today Dowie had scored 5 goals in 5 games and was once again on the scoresheet midway through the first half; Hodson, along with Dowie, had made a well-timed run to pick up Staniforth’s looping ball over the top, the young forward seen her shot from a tight angle tipped away by Mary Earps but Dowie was on hand at the back post to tap the ball over the line and put Liverpool ahead.

 The remainder of the first half played out the same way as the opening 15 minutes, with Liverpool perhaps more in control particularly defensively as Stout commanded her area well and Bonner standing strong to take the ball a little too easily from the feet of a Bristol forward.

 Liverpool had the better of the chances to double their lead before half-time, at one stage penning Bristol in and around their 18-yard box but unable to find that final pass – Hodson’s cross missing White by a second and the successive throw-ins won by the corner flag leading to Longhurst’s pass searching for Dowie but intercepted.

 Dowie almost audaciously added a second in what surely would have be a contender for the league’s goal of the season award; receiving the ball with her back to goal in the corner of the box, flicking it in the air and turning to volley goal wards – Earps reacting quickly to save. Dowie also had a header go over the crossbar and was once again stopped by Earps, with a low drive sent out for a corner.

 Half-time: Liverpool Ladies 1 – 0 Bristol Academy

 Both Liverpool and Bristol made a change at half-time, with Satara Murray coming in for Kate Longhurst seeing Becky Easton move into midfield and Bristol’s Tatiana Pinto replacing Hannah Short.

 The Reds began the second 45 minutes the way they had ended the first, creating opportunities with Pacheco pressing further up the pitch and Hodson continuing to send decent balls into the box. Hodson was the stand out performer against Durham last week and impressed once again on the afternoon, her quick bursts of pace eluding the defence and winning set pieces for Liverpool.

 Bristol had an opportunity to equalise after Murray was penalised for a foul near the corner flag, Angharad James stepping up to take the free kick but Murray herself on hand in the wall to prevent the strike nearing goal. Martha Harris also frustrated Bristol with a goal line clearance later in the half.

 Liverpool’s determinedness to trouble the Bristol back line soon resulted in a second goal,  a near match for the goal scored against Durham as Hodson’s cross in from the right was converted by Dowie for her 7th goal since returning from the mid-season break. The no.9 was substituted shortly later to a great reception, the change likely made with one eye on the cup tie against Sunderland on Wednesday night.

 Although Bristol had chances to pull a goal back, the calmness from the Liverpool defence meant the Reds seen out their first league clean sheet of the season – Murray strong to clear from a set piece, Stout coming out and holding onto successive corners and who else but Gemma Bonner with a well-timed sliding challenge in the penalty area in the dying seconds.

 Full-time: Liverpool Ladies 2 – 0 Bristol Academy

 Liverpool XI – Stout, Harris, Bonner (C), Easton, Pacheco, Staniforth (Katrin), Zelem, Longhurst (Murray), Hodson, White, Dowie (Smorsgard)

 Player of the Match – Ashley Hodson

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 1 – 0 Durham WFC

 Liverpool Ladies picked up their 3rd straight win in the Continental Cup on Saturday evening; Natasha Dowie coming off the bench to score the only goal of the game in the second half, her 4th in the competition so far.

 Defensively the Reds were unchanged from last weekend’s 2-2 draw away at Sunderland with Mayumi Pacheco, Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner and Martha Harris lining up from left to right in front of Libby Stout in goal. Lucy Staniforth and Katrin Omarsdottir also remained in midfield, joined by Katie Zelem; Kate Longhurst, Line Smorsgard and Ashley Hodson the attacking front 3.

 Throughout the first half Liverpool dominated the possession yet found it tough breaking Durham down, the visitors placing 9 players behind the ball and forward Amelia Pereira 20 yards or so ahead of them.

 Liverpool had a number of corners in quick succession in the opening stages of the first half, Staniforth’s delivery good on each occasion – Longhurst getting her head to one but unable to direct her header goal wards. Staniforth also seen a free kick blocked by the wall and an audacious long range effort from 40-yards dip just a couple of seconds too late to go narrowly over the crossbar.

  Ashley Hodson worked tirelessly up front searching for an opening, winning the first two corners and then latching onto a long ball over the top and through the middle of the defence. Hodson beating her marker with an impressive burst of speed yet her final strike inches wide.

 The Reds were passing the ball around well, with Durham seemingly comfortable to allow the home side to keep the ball, standing off and rarely pressing. Kate Longhurst had a shot parried after Katie Zelem neatly clipped the ball to Hodson, her cross meeting Longhurst in the centre of the box but Helen Alderson in the Durham goal positioned well.

 Longhurst was denied by Alderson again moments later, Hodson combining with Martha Harris to send the ball in from the right, Longhurst controlling and turning under pressure to get her shot in on target however an opening goal continued to elude Liverpool.

 On the rare occasion Durham broke ranks, the Reds defence dealt with the attacks with ease – Becky Easton matching Nicki Gears run and eventually seeing the ball out for a goal kick. A free kick was also well defended by Liverpool, with Gemma Bonner and Easton both blocking rebound attempts.

 Before half-time Staniforth rattled the post with a fiercely struck free kick and Line Smorsgard shot wide after being set up by Mayumi Pacheco.

 Half-time: Liverpool Ladies 0 – 0 Durham WFC

 Liverpool emerged unchanged for the second half and continued to pile the pressure on their visitors with Longhurst once more seeing her volley end in the arms of Alderson and a stunning cross in from Hodson skimming several red shirts in the box, while Pacheco shot over the crossbar and Bonner had a low drive punched away at the bottom corner.

 A change in personnel arrived with 35 minutes to play, Matt Beard making a double substitution in bringing on Rosie White and Natasha Dowie for Omarsdottir and Smorsgard; the duo making an immediate impact.

 Dowie has been in fine goalscoring form since the return from the summer break and looked hungry for more here, her first touch a nicely struck hit from the edge of the box deflected out for a corner, then the no.9 chased down Zelem’s through ball – the shot blocked and looking to be headed out for a corner, until hitting the turf and bouncing into the hands of the grateful keeper. Alderson then produced a good save at close range from Dowie after she had been put through by White.

 After her introduction it seemed only a matter of time before the striker was on the score sheet, 10 minutes after entering the fray Dowie converted Hodson’s cross over the line to put Liverpool ahead – and then almost scored a second immediately from the restart.

 The goal would prove to be the decisive one here, White going close hitting the crossbar and Bonner shooting wide in the final minutes.

  Satara Murray also made a welcome return from injury during the second half, although replacing Longhurst who picked up an injury during a brief flurry of activity in the Liverpool box.

 Full-time: Liverpool Ladies 1 – 0 Durham WFC

 XI Stout, Harris, Bonner (C), Easton, Pacheco, Omarsdottir (White), Staniforth, Zelem, Smorsgard (Dowie), Longhurst (Murray), Hodson

 POTM Ashley Hodson

MATCH REPORT: Sunderland Ladies 2 – 2 Liverpool Ladies

 Liverpool Ladies and top-of-the-league Sunderland Ladies battled for a point in a tense 2-2 draw in Hetton on Saturday evening.
 Sunderland had gone in front through Beth Mead before Liverpool’s Natasha Dowie netted an impressive equaliser; Rosie White put the visitors ahead in the second half but a late goal from Kelly McDougal gave the home side a share of the points.
 The Reds lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dowie leading the line, White behind her with Kate Longhurst to her left and Ashley Hodson to her right. Lucy Staniforth started alongside Katrin Omarsdottir in centre midfield in front of a back four of, from left to right, Mayumi Pacheco, Becky 
Easton, captain Gemma Bonner and Martha Harris; Libby Stout in goal.
 Sunderland have been in fine form recently, prior to this game the Mackems had won their last 5 games; a 4-0 thrashing of previous league leaders Chelsea Ladies was followed by beating Bristol Academy 4-1 and Everton Ladies 5-2, while Liverpool were without a league win since the 3-1 victory away at Arsenal.
 It was the home side who started the game brightly, piling forwards in numbers and looking to apply pressure from the opening whistle. An early corner was tipped away by Stout, who also reacted quickly to a cross coming in from the left wing to clear up behind her defence and collected Greenwell’s free kick with ease after Omarsdottir was penalised for a foul on Beth Mead.
 After what seemed to be an all-out siege, Liverpool began to grow into the game; 16-year old Pacheco excellently skipping past Abby Holmes on the left wing to put a cross in moments before Longhurst won a corner on the same side.
 The resulting corner was attacked by Bonner at the near post but headed away only as far as Hodson who sent the ball back out to Staniforth, her shot from the side of the 18-yard box was punched away by the goalkeeper, falling to the feet of White who blazed a strike over the crossbar.
 Back up at the other end of the pitch Bonner and Easton were working hard together, with Bonner once again a leading example in the middle, and Pacheco coping well with England U23 international Mead who continually drifted out to the right of the Sunderland attack – shielding well inside the box to force the striker back. On the one occasion the Reds defence had appeared to be breached, Bonner produced a last-ditch and well-timed sliding challenge to deny Mead.
 Liverpool began to look the better side, Harris had a shot on target saved after good work by Hodson on the right wing and Longhurst’s lovely looping ball over the back four was only just missed by both Hodson and Dowie.
 They will have felt unlucky then to go 1-0 down, the referee awarding Sunderland a penalty after judging that Easton had fouled Mead in the area and the no.9 stepping up to slot the ball into the bottom right corner
 Undeterred Liverpool pressed on, almost replying immediately after great build up play – Bonner picking out Dowie with a long ball forward, out towards the left for Longhurst to close down and switch the ball across to Harris on the right, her cross reaching Dowie who hit it first time but the wrong side of the post.
 Dowie soon made amends, and in style, coming into possession midway through the Sunderland half, looking up to spot Hilde Gunn Olsen off her line and expertly lifting the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. Dowie scoring her fifth goal of 2015.
 The sides went in level at half-time, despite Sunderland finishing the half strongly – Bonner blocking a goal-bound shot and Stout called upon to save from Holmes after the right-back had cut in to shoot from 20 yards.
 Half-time: Sunderland Ladies 1 – 1 Liverpool Ladies
 Liverpool looked strong throughout the second half with Bonner vocally dictating play from the back and it should really have been 2-1 to Liverpool just minutes in – again, a great passing move beginning with Dowie receiving Harris’ throw-in, tapping across to Staniforth who sent Pacheco flying down the left; Pacheco’s cross skimmed the 6-yard box, picked up once more by Dowie at the other side, Dowie cutting the ball back to White and the New Zealander shooting over.
 The first substitution of the game seen Line Smorsgard take to the pitch in place of Ashley Hodson, following this the game descended into 10 minutes of madness.
 Becky Easton had matched Mead’s run into the box well, with the ball eventually rolling to Libby Stout who picked it up. The referee initially appeared to give an indirect free kick due to a back pass but after speaking to the linesman, deemed that Mead had the final touch.
 The home crowd and players were incensed by this decision, made no easier by the fact Liverpool immediately put themselves ahead. Once Stout received the ball back from the referee sending it long for Rosie White to carry forward and chip Olsen to make it 2-1.
 The crowd’s frustration appeared to rub off on Mead, who fouled Bonner before pushing Pacheco off the field – Pacheco subbed off for Corina Schroder but the board malfunctioning and therefore causing confusion. Tensions continued to grow as the home crowd began to boo Bonner’s every touch – not helped by the booking the Reds captain then picked up for a challenge on Mead.
 Continuing the action at a frightening pace, the game seen a real end-to-end finale with Schroder thrice denying Mead while Omarsdottir had two defenders slide in front of her to prevent her strike from reaching the goal.
 Sunderland equalised after a period of heavy pressure, McDougal grabbing the goal that would give them a point from the feisty encounter – despite a late Staniforth free kick crashing off the inside of the post and Omarsdottir unable to convert the rebound.                                  
 Full-time: Sunderland Ladies 2 – 2 Liverpool Ladies
 XI Stout, Harris, Bonner ©, Easton, Pacheco (Schroder), Omarsdottir, Staniforth, Hodson (Smorsgard), White, Longhurst, Dowie

 POTM Gemma Bonner

 A great fighting performance from Liverpool, who are unlucky not to come away with 3 points. Next up for the Reds they’re back in Continental Cup action against Durham WFC next Saturday 15th August at Select Security Stadium, Widnes.