Independent LFC Women Blog

 Against all odds and in the most emphatic fashion, Liverpool Ladies retained their Women’s Super League title yesterday with a 3-0 victory over Bristol Academy.

 In a replay of last season’s title decider, tomorrow Liverpool Ladies will take on Bristol Academy in the final league game of the Women’s Super League season.

 Liverpool go into the game having made a winning start to life in the Champions League midweek – beating Swedish outfit Linkopings FC 2-1 in the first leg of the Round of 32.

 Lucy Bronze was on form, as she has been all season, at the centre of both Liverpool goals on the night. Gemma Davison opened the scoring after Bronze’s blocked shot came back out to her and Natasha Dowie netted the winner after brilliant work from the reds right-back in the 18-yard box.

 Another player who was a stand out on the night was Liverpool’s no.1 Libby Stout, who pulled off a string of impressive saves in a commanding performance at the back – giving Liverpool a fighting chance going into the away leg next week. Post-match Matt Beard said Stout is amongst the best goalkeepers in the world, a statement hard to argue with given just how quick she has settled in the English league.

 Bristol Academy were also in Champions League action on Thursday evening, beating Irish side Raheny United 4-0 away from home, with a brace from Welsh international Natasha Harding and Spanish striker Natalia also on the score sheet.

 Despite not challenging at the top of the league this year, Bristol still boast some of the top WSL players in Harding, Jemma Rose and keeper Mary Earps – who arrived during pre-season following the departure of Siobhan Chamberlain.

 Going into the final league game of the season, Liverpool are finally almost injury-free. On Wednesday night being able to bring title winners Nicole Rolser, Katrin Omarsdottir and Kate Longhurst off the bench was a fantastic sight for supporters of Liverpool. Rolser and Longhurst particularly making an immediate impact, with the former hitting the crossbar and the latter almost extending the reds lead.

GOTB

 With Lucy Staniforth still to return, next season if Liverpool can keep this team together they genuinely have one of – if not the – best squads in the league. You only have to look at how the team has coped with having so many key first team players out at different stages throughout the campaign. Full credit for remaining in the battle for the title until the end must go to those remaining players, the coaching staff and the youth players who comfortably made the step up to plug the gaps.

 Retaining the title tomorrow is out of Liverpool’s hands, beating Bristol and winning 3 points will give them the best possible chance of placing in the top 2 spots should either Chelsea or Birmingham slip up in their final day ties. Stranger things in football have happened, as supporters of Liverpool Football Club are well aware.

 To be there as the day unfolds, tickets at Select Stadium, Widnes are just £1 – one pound!! 2pm kick off, hope to see you there!

 If you are unable to be at the game, you can follow all the action on twitter – @LFCladiesfans – or on BT Sport, watch out for the links which I will tweet tomorrow!

 Thanks for reading,

 Heather 

 Goals from Gemma Davison and Natasha Dowie ensured Liverpool Ladies Champions League campaign got off to a winning start earlier tonight against Swedish side Linkopings FC.

 Matt Beard made just the two changes to the starting 11, with Gemma Davison coming in from Katrin Omarsdottir and Katie Zelem in for Becky Easton.

 Linkoping, like Liverpool, are currently playing out their final few league fixtures battling for 2nd place and Champions League football next season. They won the Swedish cup earlier this year and beat current league champions Rosengard in the league.

 It was the Swedes who looked dangerous during the opening stages of the game, earning an early corner which Katie Zelem headed clear. Linkoping sent the ball back into the box, Pernille Harder bringing it in from the left but despite a few passes the Swedes were unable to find the back of the net and Corina Schroder cleared.

 Under attack the Liverpool defence stood strong, with Gemma Bonner making a crucial sliding challenge and Martha Harris also clearing well.

 Schroder was soon involved at the other end of the pitch, brilliant movement from Zelem in the centre of the pitch to create space and get a pass out to Schroder on the left. The German left-back was dispossessed, winning a throw-in from which Fara Williams almost opened the scoring – the keeper only just got there to punch out for a corner.

 Williams took the resulting corner short to Lucy Bronze, who’s ball back towards goal found Gemma Davison and the no.10 scored Liverpool’s first-ever Champions League goal from the edge of the 18-yard box and put the reds ahead.

 Liverpool Ladies grabbed a late equaliser away at Arsenal Ladies today in their penultimate Women’s Super League game.

 Tomorrow Liverpool Ladies face Arsenal Ladies in their penultimate league game of the 2014 season However despite having just the 2 league games left, Matt Beard’s side face a busy couple of weeks with their Champions League début on Wednesday and a trip to Sweden 4 days after the end of the WSL.

 In his recent column on LFC.com the reds manager announced that German winger Nicole Rolser has returned to full training. Despite saying the Arsenal game could come just too soon for her return, we could well see her feature in the midweek Champions League game, Rolser has been sorely missed this year – her importance to the team becoming all the more defined in her absence.

 Arsenal Ladies endured a tough opening to their campaign, drawing their opening game before losing 3 in a row. Since then Arsenal have won 5 out of 8, including a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the end of June.

 On the day Liverpool were far from full-strength, with Katrin Omarsdottir and Libby Stout both missing through injury and Kate Longhurst and Katie Zelem both making their first start since overcoming injury that had seen the pair miss games during the first half of the season.

 Liverpool were also unlucky to concede, Casey Stoney somehow bundling the corner over the line to spoil the brilliant Danielle Gibbons‘ clean sheet and score the only goal of the game.

 Stoney has been amongst the goalscorers for Arsenal throughout the season, with 5 to her name. Kelly Smith leads the gunners goal scoring charts with 12 strikes, including an impressive hat-trick in a stunning 4-3 comeback win at Bristol Academy in their last outing.

 Fara Williams was Liverpool’s heroine in their last game away at Birmingham City. The reds midfielder scoring an excellent winning goal for the reds from the halfway line just minutes after the blues had drew level late on.

 This is a must-win game for Liverpool as they continue to pursue a top 2 place, currently the reds sit 1 point behind Chelsea in 1st and 1 point ahead of Birmingham in 3rd. Defeat to Arsenal and a Chelsea win would see the title being taken out of Liverpool’s hands.

 Kick-off is at 2pm, Borehamwood FC. Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 concessions.

 Thanks for reading, follow @LFCladiesfans for updates throughout the game.

 On Sunday 29th September 2013, Liverpool Ladies lifted their first major honour as they were crowned champions of the Women’s Super League.

 Liverpool had enjoyed a vastly more successful year than the previous two, manager Matt Beard overseeing a squad overhaul that welcomed international players alongside young England talent.

 Over the course of the season Liverpool beat established teams such as Arsenal Ladies 4-0, did the derby double over local rivals Everton and fought to the final whistle to secure tight 4-3 victories over both Bristol Academy and Chelsea Ladies.

 Guaranteed a top 2 placing and Champions League football for the first time in the history of the club, the league title went down to the final game of the season as the reds welcomed Bristol Academy to Select Stadium, Widnes.

 A record crowd for Liverpool in the WSL cheered on as goals from Louise Fors and Katrin Omarsdottir either side of half-time ensured the win and wild celebrations – mainly from Kate Longhurst with silver streamings – ensued.

 For a full match report from the day, follow this link here!

 Of the players on the team that day 11 are still with the club, while 7 have moved on. Below you can find a look at every player in the squad that day, a brief recap on their season, what they have done in the year since and their stand-out performance from the 2013 season.

 23. Rachael Laws

 Rachael arrived midway through the season, an emergency loan signing after injury ruled both first choice keeper Sarah Quantrill and back-up Danielle Gibbons out of June’s derby win. During the mid-season break Laws extended her loan until the end of the season, battling Quantrill for a starting place and finally adding a WSL medal to a couple of Premier League titles won with Sunderland.

 At the end of the season Rachael returned to Sunderland, who are now playing in the new second tier of the WSL. Sunderland are one of the favourites for promotion to the top tier, currently sitting 5 points clear at the top of the league helped by their in-form keeper. On 12th August 2014 it was announced that Laws had been put on standby for the England senior team for the first time, with manager Mick Mulhern commenting “She is having a very, very good season and it’s rewarding for her to have this recognition… she is in the form of her life.” For the final Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Montenegro in September, Rachael was included in the final squad and was a named substitute during the 10-0 win.

 Performance of the Season: During the title run-in every game was crucial for Liverpool, with each player stepping their game up a level. Laws was no exception to this and gave a particularly important performance in the 2-0 home win over Doncaster Belles, producing save after save to keep Liverpool in the game and the pressing Belles out. The win was made all the more sweeter the following night, as Arsenal failed to beat Lincoln meaning Liverpool maintained a 4 point lead over their title rivals.

 6. Lucy Bronze

 Lucy Bronze’s role in the Liverpool team grew in importance as the season went on, in her previous two seasons at Everton Ladies Bronze had struggled with injury and made 24 appearances over 2 years out of a possible 36. For the reds Lucy missed just 2 games at the beginning of the season, starting every game since the 4-0 victory away at Arsenal both at right-back and centre-back – replacing Gemma Bonner and Whitney Engen in the middle when either was unavailable. Bronze won Liverpool’s Players’ Player of the Year at the end of the campaign and also picked up the prestigious PFA Women’s Player of the Year in April 2014.

 This year Lucy Bronze has become an England regular under new manager Mark Sampson, who deploys her at centre-back alongside captain Steph Houghton. Bronze also began Liverpool’s 2014 campaign in the centre of defence, partnering Gemma Bonner. Following the mid-season arrival of Nina Frausing, Lucy has returned to right-back and excelled in the 3-5-2 formation used during the second half of the season. Scored her only goal of the season in a dominant 2-0 win over league leaders Chelsea Ladies, a superb strike ending in the back of the net after a brilliant run and exchange with Gemma Davison on the edge of the box.

PFA Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze

 Performance of the Season: With so many stand-out displays from the consistent performer, you could pick a game out of a hat and give reason as to why it was Bronze’s performance of the season and though her performances grew in stature throughout the season, the 4-1 win over Birmingham perhaps showcased her abilities and set her on a run of consecutive appearances. Playing alongside Whitney Engen in the absence of Gemma Bonner, Bronze put Liverpool back in the lead after the blues had drew level, rising above two defender to powerfully head home her first goal for the club. Being at centre back also failed to restrict Bronze from getting forward during normal play and she has also excelled in the centre of defence for England over the last 12 months.

 3. Whitney Engen

 Whitney was Liverpool’s first major signing as Matt Beard began to re-build the club prior to the 2013 season. Reunited with former college team mate Lucy Bronze and forming a partnership with Gemma Bonner in the centre of defence, Engen became an integral part of the Liverpool team. Upon signing she had been capped twice for USA and while at Liverpool seemingly cemented her place on the US roster with a number of impressive performances for club and country.

 Unfortunately for Liverpool Whitney’s success with the national team meant the defender would be playing her football in the NWSL in 2014, being drafted with league newcomers Houston Dash. Between the end of the FAWSL season and the NWSL beginning, Engen featured for Tyreso FF in Sweden as they reached the Champions League final – even scoring a brilliant back-heeled goal in the knock-out rounds. Tyreso were narrowly beaten 4-3 in the final by VfL Wolfsburg.

 Performance of the Season: Whitney Engen missed Liverpool’s 3-2 win at home to Lincoln Ladies at the end of May due to an international friendly in Canada, returning for the Merseyside derby at the start of June. Under 48 hours earlier Whitney had put in a Player of the Match performance against Canada for the US across the Atlantic, leading many to believe she would play no part in the derby. Engen played the entire 90 minutes with another Player of the Match performance with a solid display in Liverpool’s back line.

 5. Gemma Bonner

 Gemma Bonner signed for the reds in November 2012, with Matt Beard making the former Chelsea defender Liverpool captain. Gemma quickly set about showing why she is the perfect captain for Liverpool Football Club with a string of impressive displays. Popped up with a couple of important goals over the run-in, with a strong header in the 4-2 derby win over Everton and her goal against Bristol Academy in the 4-3 victory was perhaps the most crucial goal all season; netting the winner after Liverpool had given up a 2-goal lead. 3 days before lifting the title for Liverpool, Bonner won her first international cap as England beat Turkey 8-0 in a World Cup Qualifier.

 This year, Gemma has taken her game to another level. Liverpool have conceded half as many goals during the league campaign, largely due to Bonner’s colossal performances at the back as she has partnered Lucy Bronze, Becky Easton and new arrival Nina Frausing. Constantly talking to the players around her, offering encouragement when needed and being an excellent example to the youth players coming through.

 Performance of the Season: Liverpool Football Club have a history of captain’s being a leading example of the pitch and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck when required. When Liverpool let a 3-1 lead slip to 3-3 away at title rivals Bristol Academy at the end of a tough week in August last year, after losing 3-0 to Arsenal and being knocked out the Continental Cup on penalties, the ball fell to Bonner midway through the Bristol half. The reds captain took one touch, looked up at goal and smashed the ball past the helpless Siobhan Chamberlain between the posts.

Gemma Bonner. Captain.

 19. Corina Schroder
 Arriving at Liverpool with plenty of medals, Corina Schroder gives Liverpool a huge attacking advantage on the left wing. Forming an excellent partnership with both Louise Fors and Nicole Rolser, Liverpool’s goals in 2013 came predominantly from the left wing. Inch-perfect crosses, providing a number of assists for Natasha Dowie, Schroder’s derby performances in the league last year were unforgettable as she provided the source for the main goal threats in both the 4-1 win away and the home 4-2 victory.

 In her second year on Merseyside, Schroder has yet again been a consistent performer attacking with style down the left. In the 1-0 win over Everton in July, Corina played her best game yet in a red shirt superbly setting up the winning goal after shaking off a number of blue shirts to get the ball into the box towards Natasha Dowie. At the beginning of 2014 Liverpool suffered an injury crisis, yet Schroder played through despite having picked up a knock herself. Will be a vital part of the squad as Liverpool Ladies enter the women’s Champions League for the first time next month.

 Performance of the Season: As mentioned, Corina Schroder derby performances for Liverpool always seem to see the German raise her game to another level. In the 4-2 win last September, Schroder lost her marker on the left and sent a low cross in for Natasha Dowie to send Liverpool in front for the first time during the game. Equally her performance during the 4-1 win away from home was another fine example of her attacking prowess from left-back and Schroder scored her first goal for Liverpool against their fiercest rivals.

 4. Fara Williams

 Fara is the most consistent player in the Liverpool side, both this season and last. A vastly experienced and important first-team player, her partnership with Katrin Omarsdottir in the centre of the reds midfield was formidable and dominant throughout the season. Williams’ passing range is unrivalled in the women’s game and she is also an expert set piece taker. Constantly talking the players around her through the game, communication is key with Williams in midfield.

 In the year since Williams has been named in the PFA Team of the Year, an honour she shared with no less than 4 of her 2013 team mates and also became the most capped England player of all-time after picking up her 130th international cap in a friendly against Sweden. Fara has also stepped back into defence this season, after injury forced Becky Easton off the pitch against Notts County, dictating the pace of the game with ease from her new position between Gemma Bonner and Nina Frausing. Scored the most audacious of goals in the 2-1 win over Birmingham in September, after Liverpool had conceded an equaliser in the dying minutes, Williams spotted Becky Spencer off her line from kick-off – magnificently winning the game for the reds from the halfway line.

 Performance of the Season: Liverpool faced Chelsea Ladies at home on 17th August, after the most difficult couple of weeks of the season with a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, being knocked out of the Continental Cup by Lincoln on penalties and then narrowly overcoming Bristol Academy 4-3 the previous week to keep their title hopes alive. Chelsea raced 2-0 ahead within the opening 10 minutes, Liverpool looked to be beaten before Williams gathered the team for an impromptu team talk. Raising her game Fara dragged the reds almost single handedly to half-time, scoring a brilliant free kick to reduce the deficit before Nicole Rolser took the reigns in the second-half.

 8. Katrin Omarsdottir

 One of many international players to arrive during the winter transfer window, Katrin was quick to settle on Merseyside in her role of midfield general. Calm, yet firm is the best way to describe Omardottir on the pitch, effective in breaking down the opposition attacks and just as effective in assisting the Liverpool attack. Katrin scored 3 goals over the course of the season, including the winner 5 minutes from time in The FA Cup Quarter-Final and the final goal of the title winning season in the 2-0 victory over Bristol Academy.

 This season has once again seen much of the same from the Icelandic midfielder, a number of injuries to the reds midfield has seen youth players making the step-up to the first-team. With players like Katrin, Williams and Bonner in the side, the youth have slotted in with ease and play with confidence. Katrin has missed just one game this year, the 1-1 draw with Birmingham City and has scored twice, with one in the 6-0 win against Sunderland and the other in the 3-1 win away at Bristol Academy. Katrin has now played Bristol 3 times and scored in every game.

 Performance of the Season: Liverpool Ladies being given the opportunity to play The FA Cup Semi-Final against Arsenal Ladies at Anfield was a special occasion for both players and supporters. Katrin was one of many players who rose to the occasion, completely and utterly dominating the midfield, chasing every ball, closing down the opposition and urging the reds on as they desperately searched for an equaliser that unfortunately wasn’t to come.

 13. Amanda DaCosta

Amanda DaCosta scores at the Emirates

 Although Amanda had just 2 goals to her name for the title-winning campaign, the reds dynamic midfielder was the one pulling the strings and linking the midfield to the forwards as the attacking trio of Natasha Dowie, Louise Fors and Nicole Rolser plundered 40 goals between them. Constantly working box-to-box, DaCosta’s work-rate for the team is phenomenal.

 During her second season at the club the American playmaker continues to be the heartbeat of the midfield, her eye for a pass is second to none and her ability to pick out the runs of her team mates from practically any position on the pitch admirable. Has 2 goals to her name this campaign, one against Doncaster Belles in a tough 3-2 cup clash and a vital goal in the 2-1 win over Birmingham City last weekend.

 Performance of the Season: To go for an obvious stand-out, you could immediately point out the thrilling 4-0 win over Arsenal Ladies at the Emirates in which Amanda scored her 2 goals – including an extremely well-taken first strike from the edge of the area. However the Continental Cup semi-final defeat on penalties to Lincoln Ladies was a far greater example of DaCosta’s influence over her team mates. As the game dragged on into extra time, the American playmaker’s never let her head drop, playing box-to-box as others visibly tired around her and throwing every ounce of effort into the game as Liverpool chased for a winning goal.

 11. Nicole Rolser

 Nicole was one of Liverpool’s surprise entities in 2013, the relatively unknown German announcing her presence in the league with some incredible performances. A hat-trick away at Birmingham, inspiring the reds to their brilliant comeback to Chelsea at home and terrorising Everton in the two league derbies. Named Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year and featuring in the PFA Team of the Year, Rolser was a player many tipped to once again be Liverpool’s star in 2014.

 Devastatingly for player, club and supporters, Nicole suffered an ACL injury during pre-season which would rule her out for the entire league campaign. The attacking midfielder’s rehab has been going well and we could well see her feature during Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League games.

 Performance(s) of the Season: You could probably pick any game and find reason there to highlight a great performance from Rolser. Two in particular however jump out, first of all a second-half showing against Chelsea in the 4-3 win as Liverpool twice came from behind to take all 3 points. Rolser scored the equaliser to take the scoreline to 2-2, set up Natasha Dowie for the second equaliser for 3-3 and then grabbed the winner with minutes left on the clock.  Nicole was also on-form for Liverpool in the 4-2 win away at Birmingham, firing in a hat-trick as the reds embarked on an unbeaten run that took them to the end of the season.

Rolser mobbed after scoring the winning goal vs Chelsea

 10. Louise Fors

 Louise Fors, Liverpool’s super Swede dead ball specialist with bags of skill. Fors was voted Player of the Season at the midway stage last year, with a number of eye-catching displays. Opposition defences found it near impossible to get near the winger, as she constantly switched wings with Nicole Rolser attacking down the right or left wing with ease. Smashed free kicks past Lincoln Ladies and Birmingham City, while showing nerves of steel when netting penalties past Everton Ladies, Doncaster Belles and Bristol Academy.

 Initially it was planned that Fors would spend the 2014 season on loan in Sweden, however midway through the year the midfielder announced that she was to retire from the game at the age of 24. A massive loss for Liverpool.

 Performance of the Season: Throughout the season Louise Fors was magnificent for the reds, it was towards the beginning of the campaign however that her displays on the field particularly stood out. In the 3-2 home win against Lincoln Ladies Fors was a dominating force down the left side of the pitch, a first half free kick ricocheting off the cross bar. Controlling the game from the left with partner-in-crime Corina Schroder, Fors scored a deserved goal in the second 45 minutes to give Liverpool a 2 goal cushion.

 9. Natasha Dowie

Natasha Dowie scores in front of the Kop

 Natasha Dowie hit the ground running at Liverpool in 2013, thriving in a formation that oozed creativity with Amanda DaCosta, Louise Fors and Nicole Rolser pulling the strings around her. One of Natasha’s main strengths was holding the ball up in and around the 18-yard box to bring her attacking companions into the attack. With 19 goals in all competitions, Dowie was the FAWSL’s Golden Boot winner and was also crowned Liverpool supporters Player of the Year (both on the official website and this blog) and scooped Players’ Player of the Year in the FA Women’s Football Awards.

 This season Natasha has once again been the reds top scorer, with 9 goals. With the team facing an extraordinary injury crisis Dowie has been an ever-present with 19 appearances, which means alongside Fara Williams she is the only Liverpool player to appear in every game this season and last. Natasha continues to create goals for the rest of her team mates, most recently brilliantly setting up strike partner Kate Longhurst who put the reds back in front in the September derby. With 2 games left this campaign, no doubt Natasha Dowie will be looking to send her goal tally into double figures for the second season running.

 Performance of the Season:

 Scoring goals for fun throughout the season, Natasha Dowie’s most memorable performance from the 2013 season came in the 4-2 derby win. With the game being the penultimate match of the campaign, Liverpool needed to take all 3 points to take the title down to the final day and Dowie was on fire to put them in pole position netting a hat trick from a variety of positions. Including an audacious chip over incoming Everton keeper Rachael Brown, a sliding finish from a Corina Schroder cross and completing her hat-trick with a header. Watch the derby trio from 1:25 in the video compilation below.

 On the bench:

 24. Sarah Quantrill

 Starting the season as the reds first choice keeper, Sarah picked up an injury prior to June’s derby win which saw the arrival of Rachael Laws as an emergency loan signing. Prior to her injury Quantrill put in an impressive shift during the 4-0 away win over Arsenal at the Emirates and kept 5 clean sheets in 11 starts.

 This season Sarah has been playing for Millwall Lionesses in WSL2, alongside another former LFC player Lillie Fenlon-Billson and has made 16 starts. Millwall currently sit in 8th place.

Liverpool Ladies 2013

 21. Sarah Gregorius

 Sarah Gregorius was one of 4 mid-season signings, offering Matt Beard a different attacking option. Sarah made just the one start for Liverpool, with 6 appearances from the bench. During the title-winning game at the end of the season, Gregorius came on for Fors as the reds comfortably seen out the win.

 In the year since Sarah Gregorius received her 50th cap for New Zealand during a Cyprus Cup clash with Finland, marking the occasion with the winning goal! Gregorius now plays her club football in Japan’s Nadeshiko League for AS Eflen Saitama.

 20. Katie Zelem

 The second of 4 summer signings, Katie Zelem joined Liverpool Ladies from Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence. Although a named substitute on 6 occasions, Katie did not feature for the first team in 2013. When the WSL season ended Zelem joined up with the development squad, scoring 4 times before returning to the senior team for pre-season.

 In the week before the 2014 season began, a broken collarbone suffered whilst playing for England U19s ruled her out for the first half of the season. On her return Zelem netted a double in the 7-1 cup win away at Durham WFC and also scored a vital winning goal after coming off the bench against Notts County.

 15. Jess Holbrook

 In 2013 Jess made 10 appearances overall for Liverpool Ladies, coming off the bench on 7 occasions and making 3 starts. Mid-season Holbrook found herself in the starting 11, following injury to Katrin Omarsdottir, fitting in well during big wins over Birmingham City and Everton Ladies. Almost grabbed her first and only goal in a red shirt against Birmingham, only to see her thunderous effort crash off the bar.

 Over the winter break WSL newcomers Manchester City announced the signing of the former England youth international, Jess made 8 appearances for City – starting 7 times – however left the club in the summer for Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

Becky Easton shows off the WSL trophy

 12. Becky Easton

 Becky Easton was one of a quartet of signings that arrived before the beginning of the season from Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies. In a team in which the majority of players were as yet unfamiliar with each other, Becky brought a wealth of experience from a varied football career. A Liverpool supporter who fulfilled every reds fans dream by lifting a league trophy in front of the Kop, when the team paraded it at Anfield the following week.

 This season Easton has been nothing short of outstanding for Liverpool, playing at both right back and as part of a centre-back trio in a 3-5-2 formation. Voted fans Player of the Season at the midway stage, her no nonsense, tough tackling is a rarity now in all kinds of football and she has saved the reds on a number of occasions with a last-ditch sliding challenge to prevent a goal bound strike.

 7. Kate Longhurst

 Kate Longhurst arrived mid-season from Chelsea Ladies, taking the no.7 shirt. Kate made 7 appearances in a red shirt in 2013 and scored her first Liverpool goal in the 9-0 mauling of Doncaster Belles, the 9-0 win coming at a crucial point during the campaign and giving the reds a far superior goal difference than their title rivals.

Kate Longhurst scores vs Everton

 In 2014 Longhurst has become a vital part of Liverpool’s starting 11 with an impressive work-rate during games, despite missing 5 through injury the forward has made 12 starts and scored twice. Kate joined a long list of derby heroes at Liverpool after bagging the winner in a 1-0 win over the blues in July and doubled her Everton goals tally after also scoring in the 2-2 draw in September.

 2. Sam Chappell

 Prior to the 2013 season Sam Chappell was one of just four Liverpool players who had featured for the reds in every competitive fixture since the inception of the Women’s Super League. With the arrival of new players, the added competition for places meant although a named substitute on 8 occasions Chappell did not appear throughout the senior team campaign. Alongside team mate Danielle Gibbons and future team mate Bethany Donoghue, Chappell won a gold medal at the World University Games during the summer.

 At the end of the campaign Sam featured for the development squad, playing a number of games before signing for WSL2 side London Bees – quickly becoming an important first team player. Chappell has made 19 appearances so far this season, second to only to fellow defender Billie Brooks who has played one more game.

 Season Review: 2013

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 This afternoon Liverpool Ladies overcame Birmingham City Ladies to take themselves to within a point of the top of the league.

 In the opening exchanges each side struggled to grasp control of the game, Fara Williams won possession for Liverpool immediately after the opening whistle but the reds initially found it tough to retain possession.

 Martha Harris returned to the starting 11 after missing a number of games due to injury and featuring in the England U20s World Cup campaign. Harris played at left wing back with Lucy Bronze on the right and a centre back trio of Gemma Bonner, Becky Easton and Corina Schroder.

 Birmingham’s Kirsty Linnett slipped past the reds defence on a couple of occasions during the first half, first thwarted by a Becky Easton sliding challenge and then denied with a save from Libby Stout.

 As the first half went on, Liverpool began to look the more composed of the two sides. Beginning to patiently build up their attack with Amanda DaCosta and Fara Williams each being particularly influential. Martha Harris was also impressing on the left, constantly making runs and creating space for herself out wide.

 Liverpool almost took the lead when Kate Longhurst made a great run through on goal, before the no.7 could get her strike in Aoife Mannion came sliding in with a crunching tackle that Becky Easton would be proud of.

 The red’s patience in front of goal eventually paid off, with a number of players involved in the build up; the ball fell to Harris inside the box, her shot was cleared only as far as Amanda DaCosta who made no mistakes from 5 yards out smashing the ball into the back of the net.

 DaCosta almost added a second after Lucy Bronze and Natasha Dowie combined to set her up – this time the strike was blocked and Liverpool went in at half time 1-0 up.

Liverpool continued to carve out opportunities in the second half, Kate Longhurst winning an early corner. This was caught by Becky Spencer, minutes later the Birmingham keeper was again on hand at the corner to save Lucy Bronze‘s on target header.

 Katrin Omarsdottir also seen a long range effort go just inches over the bar, after dangerously dipping mid-air.

 Both sides made a couple of attacking substitutions, with Kate Longhurst and Martha Harris replaced by Gemma Davison and Katie Zelem and former red Hannah Keryakoplis coming on for Birmingham.

Captain.

 Keryakoplis was on the pitch for a matter of minutes before she equalised against her former club, the ball dropping to her feet 40 yards out after Libby Stout mis-hit a clearance – the striker scoring in the empty goal.

 Liverpool quickly got themselves back into position to retake the lead in the most bizarre of circumstances, from the restart Fara Williams spotting the keeper off her line and scoring an incredible goal from the half way line not even a minute after the blues equaliser.

 A shell-shocked Birmingham protested saying the referee had not signalled for the restart, however the goal stood and proved to be the winner with Liverpool taking all 3 points in this crucial top of the table clash.

 POTM : Fara Williams

 XI : Stout, Bronze, Bonner (C), Easton, Schroder, Harris (Hodson), Omarsdottir, Williams, DaCosta (Zelem), Longhurst (Davison), Dowie

 Liverpool have just 2 games remaining now of the 2014 season, away to Arsenal 2 weeks today before facing Bristol Academy at home on 12th October. Winning both these games will guarantee a Champions League spot, while just a point separates the reds from Chelsea at the top of the league. Chelsea face Everton and Man City in their final games, meaning the title is still very much in the Londoners hands.

 Liverpool’s Development Squad kicked off their season with a 3-0 win away at reigning champions Sunderland Ladies. Hannah Dale opened the scoring before Mollie Green netted a brace. Megan Alexander returned from her recent loan spell with Oxford United while Ellie Stewart and Claudia Walker both started after featuring for the first team throughout their season. The next game is this Thursday evening at home against Everton Ladies, entry is free, 7:30pm kick off at Select Stadium.

 Finally, this week I was proud to have the opportunity to have my blog featured on one of my University lecturer’s websites. You can read the piece here: You’ll Never Walk Alone: Sports Journalism & Social Media

 Thanks for reading!

 @LFCladiesfans

 On Sunday Liverpool Ladies will travel to Birmingham City for their penultimate away fixture of the 2014 season. The game will be shown live on BT Sport and kick off at 12pm.

 Liverpool currently sit 2 points behind Birmingham, with the same number of games played, a win at the weekend would place the reds back in the Champions League places.

 With Liverpool on 19 points, Birmingham on 21 and Chelsea Ladies up in first on 23, the top of the league going into the final 3 games is extremely tight and despite the league title being in the Londoners hands, it could still go to any of the top 3 clubs.

 Going into this crucial tie against Birmingham, Liverpool have picked up 4 wins and a draw in their last 6 league games while the blues have lost 2 and drawn 1. Both teams drew with Everton in their last outing; Liverpool held to a 2-2 in a ferociously fast Merseyside derby that seen Natasha Dowie and Kate Longhurst give the reds the lead before Nikita Parris draw Everton level.

 In stark contrast to the derby, Birmingham’s draw with Everton ended goalless with neither side creating much in the way of clear cut chances in the first half. Jo Potter picking up an injury and forcing the blues into a substitution seemingly affected their ability to close down in midfield, struggling to break Everton down and looking – aside from Karen Carney – uninspired.

 Potter is likely to be fit for the weekend after featuring and scoring during England’s 10-0 win over Montenegro midweek. Liverpool also had 4 players feature in the Lionesses final World Cup qualifier, Gemma Bonner started along with Fara Williams, who captained the side on the day and Lucy Bronze – who scored. Natasha Dowie was a second half substitute who also had the ball in the back of the net, this goal was pulled back and a penalty given as the defender had handled the ball on the line.

 The fact that Liverpool are still up and challenging towards the top of the league table is a testament to the squad, the injuries the team has found themselves plagued with throughout the campaign no doubt have caused disruption and at times Liverpool have struggled – scoring an average of 1 goal a game in the league. Winning each of the remaining 3 games would see Liverpool qualify for the 2015/16 Champions League, while Chelsea could still drop points as they face relegation threatened Notts County and Everton a final game away at Continental Cup finalists Manchester City.

 Liverpool’s goal shortage has been mirrored throughout the league, Chelsea themselves have scored only 6 more than the reigning champions total of 11 while Birmingham have 15 overall. Last season the reds plundered 46 goals – a new league record – while Chelsea and Birmingham scored 20 and 16 goals respectively all season.

 With 3 games remaining Liverpool’s Natasha Dowie will be on the hunt for more goals as she looks to power the reds back to the top of the league and retain her Golden Boot title. Dowie currently has 2 league goals to her name (9 in all competitions), Karen Carney has 4.

 This week tickets for Liverpool’s Champions League debut went on sale, you can purchase the tickets here: Liverpool Ladies v Linkoping LFC (please note all season ticket holders must buy tickets for this game)

 Also this Sunday, Liverpool Ladies Development Squad kick off their 2014/15 campaign away at reigning champions Sunderland Ladies. Managed by U17 FA Youth Cup winning coach Matty Campbell the young reds have a number of returning players alongside promoted players from the cup winning side. For a full season preview featuring every returning and leaving player, follow the link below!

 Liverpool Ladies Development Squad: Season Preview 2014/15

 Finally, this week I was proud to have the opportunity to have my blog featured on one of my University lecturer’s websites. You can read the piece here: You’ll Never Walk Alone: Sports Journalism & Social Media

 Thanks for reading!

 @LFCladiesfans

 Earlier tonight Liverpool Ladies were held to a 2-2 draw at Everton Ladies, elsewhere in the title race both Chelsea Ladies and Birmingham City picked up maximum points in their games – leaving the reds 4 points from the top of the league with 3 games to play.

 It was Liverpool who enjoyed the majority of the possession during the opening 20 minutes, working well down the left flank with both Gemma Davison and Corina Schroder beating the Everton defence to get crosses into the 18-yard box. There was no red shirt on the end of Davison’s cross, Natasha Dowie got on the end of Schroder’s ball only to find her shot blocked.

 A couple of early Everton attacks were comfortably dealt with by Liverpool, the now familiar sight of Libby Stout coming well off her line to clear from a long ball forward headed for Nikita Parris. Parris also intercepted a Fara Williams pass, Gemma Bonner well alert and on hand to win the ball back and press forward.

 Katrin Omarsdottir and Amanda DaCosta were pulling the strings in the Liverpool midfield, Katrin with a great ball forward to the waiting Kate Longhurst on the edge of the area and DaCosta putting in another good shift for the reds constantly driving forwards and trying to create opportunities.

 Shortly after a Liverpool attack that seen each of Dowie, DaCosta and Williams have shots blocked, Everton caught the reds on the counter attack with Nikita Parris forcing Libby Stout into punching the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was swung into the back of the net by Danielle Turner to give the blues the lead.

 On the stroke of half-time, Gemma Davison played a through ball to Natasha Dowie who comfortably finished past Rachael Brown to equalise for Liverpool and score her 5th goal against Everton in two seasons.

 Kate Longhurst was the reds derby hero back in the 1-0 win in July and doubled her goals tally for the season just minute after half-time. Dowie with a brilliant touch for Longhurst to latch on to and finish with ease past the keeper.

 Unfortunately for Liverpool, their joy at taking the lead was short lived as Nikita Parris scored a well-taken goal from outside the box to make it 2-2.

 Longhurst and Dowie’s partnership up front was one of the highlights for Liverpool supporters, the two almost combining to score the winner in the final ten minutes as Longhurst headed Lucy Bronze‘s cross onto Dowie. Liverpool’s leading scorer had the ball in the back of the net but the linesman flagged for offside.

 Late in the game Parris received her marching orders for a reckless challenge on Becky Easton, who had replaced Katrin Omarsdottir allowing Fara Williams to move forward into midfield. Katie Zelem and Ashley Hodson were also late substitutes, coming on for Gemma Davison and Kate Longhurst.

 Williams saw a 90th minutes free kick blocked by Everton defender Gabby George and Amanda DaCosta grazed the crossbar from the edge of the area.

 The point gained sees Liverpool drop to 3rd in the league, with a massive game away to Birmingham City up next for the reds. Everton remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 5 points from safety.

 XI Stout, Bronze, Bonner (C), Williams, Frausing, Schroder, Omarsdottir (Easton), DaCosta, Davison (Zelem), Longhurst (Hodson), Dowie

 POTM Gemma Bonner

 @LFCladiesfans