MATCH REPORT: EVERTON LADIES 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES 2

Perseverance was key for Liverpool Ladies on Friday night as they defeated Everton Ladies 2-0 in the opening game of the 2017-18 FA Women’s Super League season.
Natasha Harding opened the scoring in the 69th minute after Alex Greenwood’s set piece caused chaos in the Everton area, while Niamh Charles scored her first senior goal for the club in injury time to seal the three points.
On-loan forward Bethany England made her debut leading the line for the Reds, supported by Harding, Jess Clarke, Caroline Weir and Laura Coombs.
Satara Murray made a welcome return to the back four alongside Gemma Bonner, Casey Stoney and Alex Greenwood; with Sophie Ingle ahead of them and Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Liverpool dominated their Merseyside rivals from the opening whistle, showing glimpses early on of the attacking flair that made them a threat in the Spring Series.
Coombs was in the thick of the action throughout, proving a handful and racing box-to-box. Early in the half the Reds number eight chased a long ball from England only for the defence to scramble it away at the edge of the box.
Despite playing up front England was also dropping deep, showing great vision just ten minutes in to play a pass forward that was flicked on by Harding and picked up by Weir; the Scotland international smashing the ball at goal and seeing Everton goalkeeper Lizzie Durack tip her effort over the crossbar.
A stand out player in the aforementioned Spring Series, Greenwood was providing a great outlet down the left wing for Liverpool linking up with Harding ahead of her and allowing the Reds to consistently push in from the left.
England had Liverpool’s first chance heading Clarke’s cross the wrong side of the post and fifteen minutes in seen another header land in the hands of Durack. The Havard graduate was quick to redistribute possession for the Blues leading to a chance for new signing Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, who must have thought she’d netted on her debut only for Stoney to waltz in and clear the strike off the line.
Everton were the home side in Widnes on the evening and grew into the game, new captain Dan Turner swinging in a threatening cross that Jodie Brett attacked yet was unable to connect with while former Liverpool forward Claudia Walker was lively throughout.
As the half drew on the Reds were awarded two free kicks in quick succession in similar areas, Coombs sending the first wide and Weir’s dipping a second too late to go over the crossbar.
Everton’s Gabby George also flashed an effort wide following a set piece while at the other end England tapped the ball to Weir under pressure, Weir finding Harding who curled a shot in on goal that was collected by Durack.
The biggest chance of the first half came ten minutes before the break as Weir curled in a free kick from near the half way line, Clarke won the header which crashed off the bar and Durack somehow managed to keep England’s diving header from crossing the line.
Out for the second half and the Reds continued to be patient as they probed for the opening goal, Greenwood cutting in from the left to cross to England who couldn’t direct her header on target and Coombs playing a one-two with Weir before firing a strike from distance over the bar.
England could count herself unlucky not to be on the scoresheet as she went close again after getting on the end of another Greenwood cross; Greenwood also almost setting up Harding – whose shot was caught by Durack – and Weir who couldn’t get on the end of yet another cross in from the left.
Eventually the chances would turn into goals, it was of course Greenwood who sent in the free kick that was bandied around the Everton box – Bonner’s effort cleared off the line by Turner to land at the feet of Harding who fired the ball into the back of the net. Fan-favourite Harding celebrated passionately pointing at her shirt to the erupting Liverpool supporters in the crowd.
Two substitutes combined to seal the win, Scott Rogers first sending on Niamh Charles to replace Clarke and Ashley Hodson for England.
Charles first watching as Durack punched her shot away after going one-on-one with the ‘keeper who also got to Hodson’s strike in injury time, however Charles arrived to slot home the rebound and secure the three points for Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: 

Chamberlain, Murray, Bonner (C), Stoney, Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Clarke (Charles), Harding, England (Hodson)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH [as voted for by followers of @LFCladiesfans]

Laura Coombs

NEXT UP

Liverpool Ladies v Reading Women | 7pm Friday 29th September | Select Security Stadium, Widnes

REPORT: CHESTER FC WOMEN 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES DS 5

The Reds fielded a Development Squad side that contained nine graduates from the club’s Regional Talent Centre; while the first team were also in attendance, partaking in a meet and greet with supporters prior to kick off.

The tie was perfectly poised at the break as Liverpool took in a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Chester own goal, yet goals in the second half by Aimee Everett (2), Courney Willis and Bo Kearns secured the win.
For the opening twenty minutes of the first half there was little in the way of clear cut opportunities for either side, as both defences were quick to smother any danger.
Paige Cole did well under pressure to keep possession for Liverpool in the early stages, this almost leading to Lizzie Earle slipping Aimee Everett through on goal only for Chester goalkeeper Emily Walker to get there first.
At the opposite end of the pitch Chester’s front line were also looking to breach the Reds defence. First ‘keeper Emily Ramsey was quick of her line to stop an attack in its tracks and then Lucy Roberts and Cole combined to spurn another.
Liverpool full-backs Cole and Meg Boydell were first to register shots on target; Cole making a fine run to cut in from the left yet her effort was held by Walker and Boydell mirroring the chance only for her strike to be blocked by a defender.
The Reds began to edge further and further forward as Willis teed up Kearns whose volley was pushed around the post, then Kearns nearly found Walker but the defence quickly recovered to scramble the ball away.
With under ten minutes to go until half-time Liverpool took the lead, Willis swinging in a corner that was touched over the line by a Chester player.
Buoyed by going ahead Liverpool almost doubled the lead immediately from the restart, Earle racing in on goal and denied one-on-one by Walker – who minutes later also intercepted Earle’s pass intended for Simran Jhamat.
Liverpool dominated proceedings in the second half, threatening from the opening whistle as good build up play between Boydell, Jhamat and Kearns led to Kearns being flagged for offside. 
Five minutes into the half and seconds after being denied by a good save, Everett doubled the lead by slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
Hungry for more goals Kearns put Jhamat through in the box and Jhamat, who scored on her Reds debut in the friendly against Fylde, selflessly squared the ball to Everett which the defence managed to clear.
Willis extended the lead to 3-0 with 56 minutes played, firing a ferocious left-footed effort in from a tight angle.
As the game reached the closing stages both Earle and Kearns rattled the crossbar, Boydell shot narrowly over and Millie Fitzpatrick headed inches wide. 
There would be time for two more goals, former u16 captain Kearns capping a good performance by providing an assist to Everett for the fourth and then scoring herself in the 89th minute – eluding the ‘keeper with a lovely strike from 25-yards for the game to finish 5-0.
Liverpool Ladies: Ramsey, Boydell, Heartly, Roberts, Cole, Parry, Kearns, Earle ©, Jhamat, Willis, Everett (Fitzpatrick)

REPORT: OLYMPIQUE LYON 6 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0

In the opening game of the Toulouse International Cup reigning UEFA Champions League winners Olympique Lyon defeated Liverpool Ladies 6-0.
Following an hour-long delay due to missing oxygen – that led to incredible scenes of a man running the oxygen canister into the stadium for it to be carried in held aloft by tournament official – there were early flashes of Lyon’s predatory instincts in front of goal once the game got underway.
Ada Hegerberg, who by her standards had had a quiet European Championships for Norway earlier in the summer, stalking Reds captain Gemma Bonner as the skipper safely seen a through ball into the arms of Siobhan Chamberlain.
When Liverpool were able to string a series of passes together they looked to build on their confidence, Laura Coombs a stand out in the middle fighting for every ball and constantly looking for opportunities to drive the ball forward.
One such run from the number-eight was halted in it’s tracks by France captain Wendie Renard while a long, threatening ball forward intended for Natasha Harding was instead won by Sarah Bouhaddi.
Alex Greenwood was also getting forward up the left flank; winning a header inside the Liverpool half that Jess Clarke was able to steer back into her path as she bombed up the wing yet her cross was headed away before it could reach a red shirt.
Lyon took the lead inside ten minutes and from the first set piece of the tie, a move that was initially cleared off the goal line by Ashley Hodson yet Hegerberg fired Lyon ahead after Camille Abily swung the ball back into the area.
Liverpool continued to enjoy flashes of possession however the half would turn into an array of ‘almost chances’ for the Reds; a long throw from Kate Longhurst knocked on by Clarke for Harding to give chase, another Longhurst throw nearly culminating in Weir picking out Hodson and Bonner a millimetre away from beating Renard to a Greenwood corner.
Harding and Weir also combined to offer Clarke a shot at goal – one caught by Bouhaddi – while Weir saw a free kick sail over the crossbar.
Meanwhile at the opposite end of the pitch Lyon looked more and more likely to double their lead, Mylaine Tarrieu skipping in from the left and looking to slip the ball to Hegerberg but Chamberlain off her line to gather.
Hegerberg would make it two at the midway point of the half, converting a cross that had been sent in from the right.
From there Liverpool had to defend resolutely to ensure it remained two going in for the break. Coombs twice cleared up as the Reds came under pressure at the back from sustained attacks and Chamberlain holding onto Eugenie Le Sommer’s stinging volley on the stroke of half-time.
Liverpool manager Scott Rogers, heading into his second full season as Reds boss, made one change for the second half with Niamh Charles in for Ashley Hodson in a straight swap.
Charles was immediately involved in the thick of the action, turning away from her marker to battle past a number of Lyon shirts and the England youth international was unlucky not to find Weir after her hard work.
With the first clear cut chance of the second half Lyon extended their lead to three. UEFA Women’s Footballer of the Year nominee Dzsenifer Marozsan had been flown in by helicopter from Monaco following the awards yesterday and made her first impression on the game minutes after being introduced by setting up Le Sommer, who side footed the ball into the back of the net.
The French side continued to look hungry for more goals, Le Sommer looking for Hegerberg who at this point was after a hat trick but would thrice be denied by Bonner.
On sixty minutes Marozsan and Le Sommer made for a deadly combination once more as the German played in the French forward for Lyon’s fourth goal, and Le Sommer teed up Melvine Mallard for the fifth.
A welcome introduction came with eight minutes remaining as the Reds European Champion Shanice van de Sanden took to the pitch, the Dutch winger announcing her return with a shot at goal as she wriggled away from the central defender yet Bouhaddi held onto her strike.
There was time for one more Lyon goal, Marozsan herself getting amongst the scorers with an unstoppable free kick in the eighty-seventh minute.
In Lyon the Reds came up against tough opponents, yet it must be noted that for Liverpool this was just their third game of pre-season following wins over Fylde and Watford. 
The Reds were beaten by a worthy victor earlier this evening – a side widely considered to be the best in women’s football – and as such it is a result that is not worth obsessing over, however one that will provide, as Siobhan Chamberlain tweeted, lessons worth learning for Liverpool’s young squad. 
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Longhurst (Johnson), Bonner (C), Stoney (Fletcher), Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Clarke (van de Sanden), Hodson (Charles (Rathburn)), Harding
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs

THE FINALE: A DUTCH SCOUSER

Hello, welcome to my blog on the UEFA Women’s Euros final between Netherlands and Denmark. I was there to support the Netherlands and the properly boss Mandy van den Berg and Shanice van de Sanden and it was the best.
I’d like to begin this blog with a disclaimer by saying first and foremost I am a supporter of Liverpool and have documented over the years ambivalent feelings towards following the English national team. With friends from all over the country I’m convinced this is a ‘Liverpool’ thing, I have friends that support Liverpool that aren’t from Liverpool yet can get wholly behind England yet friends from Liverpool that support Liverpool predominantly aren’t too fussed either way.
In short: I am Liverpool through and through and like to see England do well. That would be the best description. 
Anyway with that out the way, I planned my trip to this summer’s European Championships based on what players I wanted to see; Liverpool players, ex-Liverpool players and Italy.
The first game was the opener, Netherlands v Norway in what was a truly unbelievable atmosphere, a great city and with incredible support. It was completely infectious. Next we went to see Italy, where there was a much smaller crowd yet still in with the Italians again I felt like I could get behind Italy trying to claw a victory back from Russia – particularly when Elena Linari was joined on the pitch by Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea.
Then it was England. And England were brilliant. A rampant 6-0 win over Scotland of all teams, a Jodie Taylor hat trick, a Lucy Bronze masterclass. 
The only Liverpool player to feature that day however – Caroline Weir – was on the receiving end of the 6-0 defeat and I felt more sorry and sad about that.
Following that and the England games and performances that came next, I couldn’t see past anyone but England winning – Germany, France, Norway then Sweden all out… surely it was England’s year!
So I wanted the Netherlands to do it. Having been there for two of their group games, watching Shanice van de Sanden week in and every other week out for Liverpool and knowing how genuine her and Mandy van den Berg are. I wanted them to win, I love the underdogs.
I tweeted as much – in my defence prior to the Netherlands knocking England out – “My dream is to watch Shanice & Mandy in the final and for Mandy to lift the trophy”.
Which brings me up to the final.
With the final on the other side of the Netherlands we had an absurdly early start, which wasn’t helped by my complete inability to sleep the night before due to excitement. 
My alarm rang at 2:30am and I was up, showered and out of the front door by 3:30am, headed for John Lennon Airport to start what would be one of the best days of my life. There’s no embellishment or exaggerating going on there, it was hands down top three (don’t forget I’ve seen Liverpool win the league twice).
At the airport I met up with Deb, Ley and Oonagh and had a vegetarian breakfast (my sister would be proud of me) yet swapped the fried eggs out for bacon (maybe not so proud).
The flight was delayed a little and I think the pilot came out at some point to explain way but at that stage I could barely keep my eyes open, I don’t even remember take off all I remember is waking up as we were coming down to land.
From Amsterdam we had a two-hour train journey to Hengelo, where we threw our bags in and headed straight for the fanzone in Enschede. I had been impressed by the fanzone in Utrecht but this was four times the size. An ocean of orange that filled two city centre squares and then some. 
We found some FC Twente supporters – a choir no less – and sang them our Shanice van de Sanden song, drawing a round of applause and I signed up to be a ‘Young Red’ because I collect football scarves and wanted a Twente scarf. If you were over 16 membership was €100, under 16 €20 so I told them I was 15 because I didn’t want a €100 scarf.
After meeting Ianthe myself and Deb went to do the fan walk from the fanzone to the stadium, it was a crazy 90 minutes of orange singing and dancing; resembling a pride march yet completely orange and with those epic Dutch dance along hits.
Every five minutes the bus leading the parade would stop and someone on a megaphone would shout out instructions that were obviously in Dutch so we just had to follow the crowd and hope for the best. Most of the time they just wanted us all to get down on the floor, count to ten and then all jump up and around. My favourite though was the dance were you literally just bounce from left to right, right to left and then jump around, it’s deliriously brilliant and fun.
As we walked the streets were also lined either side with people of all ages that had come out their houses to watch and wave flags, filming everything on their phones.
The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life, if you could bottle it and sell it you’d be the richest person on the planet.
It was insane and it just built and built and built, the closer you got to the ground and the more people that were milling around, it was insatiable and electric. We met back up with the others at the stadium and basically headed straight in, I was able to hang my flag up by tying it to some railings.
The teams did their thing warming up and then it was time for the closing ceremony, a woman representing each nation taking part in the tournament came out waving that nation’s flag and – it was fantastically entertaining – did ‘battle’ with the other nations. So for example Denmark and Germany’s flag wavers had a blag fight that ended with Germany running to the side and throwing her flag on the floor.
This continued until there were only two flags left standing, Netherlands and Denmark of course, and in fact I’ll have to state here that the only disappointment of the entire day came after the game when the two flag wavers came out once more yet no flags were thrown or battles fought!
Once the game began it was apparent that this was a Denmark team that were taking a wholly different approach to proceeding than the side that showed up in Rotterdam. Pernille Harder was whizzing about here, there and everywhere causing all kinds of trouble for the Dutch defence while at the other end the tried and trusted front three of Lieke Martens, Vivienne Miedema and Shanice van de Sanden were doing the same.
If you’ve followed me for a while you’ll know I have the tendency to get carried away and describe everything as the best, but as this game drew on it was hard not to get carried away by the level of attacking prowess that was on display. It was superb to watch. 
First as Denmark took the lead when Kika van Es stuck a rogue leg out and Nadia Nadim stepped up to smash the ball home from the penalty spot, to van de Sanden setting up Miedema for an equaliser and Martens creating a goal from nothing to put the Netherlands ahead before Harder struck to level the score once more.
Once the half time whistle went you could almost hear this collective ‘and breathe’ from everyone within the stadium, my heart was racing and it felt like my mind couldn’t quite keep up with what was unfolding in front of me.
I’ve even watched the game back since I’ve been home, Kelly Smith describing it on Channel 4 as the “best 45 minutes of football I’ve ever watched” and Eni Aluko calling the action on display “a great advert, not just for women’s football, but for football.” It’s hard to disagree with them.
The game, thankfully, appeared to slow a little in the second half although after Sherida Spitse netted from a free kick the Danes gave me multiple heart attacks with how close they went to getting another equaliser.
Just as we were readying for a tense final few minutes, and I was close to sitting on the floor as I had the second time the Reds won the league, Miedema popped up with goal number six of the afternoon, putting the Netherlands 4-2 up with 88 minutes on the clock.

The stadium went wild and continued to go wild until the final whistle, Miedema was in tears and there was even time for Mandy van den Berg to come from the bench and play the last few minutes of the final.
While waiting for the Dutch to be presented with the trophy we were treated to a playlist of Dutch classics, including Links Rechts which will be getting played at the Select Stadium next season and Auld Lang Syne (not a clue), to which both supporters in the stands and players on the pitch danced along to.
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for, and the one I had dreamt of yet never thought I’d see – Mandy lifting the trophy alongside co-captain Spitse. What a moment.
Both teams did a lap of honour following the celebrations, the Danes deservedly receiving a great ovation from all supporters in the stands but the biggest cheer of the afternoon came as the trophy passed each section.
Following the game came a brief opportunity to congratulate Mandy through a sea of supporters and then it was almost as if the entire day had caught up on me. We stopped back briefly in Enschede to have some dinner by the fanzone – where the party was in full swing with even the Denmark supporters in attendance. The Danes attendance prompting the DJ to ask, “What is the biggest song from Denmark?” and resulting in the response “Barbie Girl” which turned into hundreds of people singing along to Barbie Girl after winning the Euros. It’s these moments you just don’t get from sitting back at home.
All in all it was an absolute honour to support the Netherlands in the final, from the opening game the people, supporters and players have been a credit to the tournament and the atmosphere is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life! As for Mandy and Shanice it was just incredible to see two people who you know to be genuine and so deserving of every success receive the adulation from the crowds and be crowned European Champions.
This has been a long, long post. I have others to fine-tune to post from the tournament that will be up over the course of the next week, to conclude this one however: I am Dutch, Mandy and Shanice are the best, I love football, Up the Reds.

GAME DAY 1: NETHERLANDS V NORWAY

The UEFA Women’s European Championships began in Utrecht on Sunday, with host nation Netherlands defeating Norway 1-0.

Liverpool’s Shanice van de Sanden hails from Utrecht and duly popped up with a eye-catching performance. Her familiar bursting runs on the wing and visible passion enrapturing the supporters in the stadium long before her 66th minute header handed the win to the Dutch.

The atmosphere had been steadily building in the city throughout the day, the fanzone in Neude a sea of orange from early morning and the general feeling of excitement infectious.

In the city centre square a DJ played a variety of music from a pop up stage, while mini football games, flag spray painting and photo booths had also sprung up. A couple of Norwegians were also present yet vastly outnumbered.

A couple of hours before the game a double decker bus led supporters from the square to the stadium on an hour-long walk that resembled a Dutch pride, while at the stadium hordes of fans gathered to welcome the team buses.

Norway received a warm welcome before the Netherlands bus pulled in to chants of “Holland, Holland”. van de Sanden stepped off the bus while punching the air and gesturing to the fans to generate even more noise, to which they responded.

Former Red and Dutch captain Mandy van den Berg was last to depart the bus and also waved emphatically to supporters, soaking up the atmosphere.

Inside the stadium the stands had been split into twelve sections, one to represent each nation competing with flags of each countries colour placed on seats for the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony started fifteen minutes before kick off and involved the same DJ from the fanzone earlier, running around trying unsuccessfully to get the crowd to do a Mexican wave.

Dutch singer-songwriter Sharon Doorson then took to the pitch singing ‘We Fire It Up’; Wikipedia tells me that she was a competitor on the Netherlands versions of The Voice in 2011.

The game kicked off to an explosive start, van de Sanden racing down the right wing before cutting the ball in for Arsenal’s Danielle van de Donk – the forward seeing her shot saved by Ingrid Hjelmseth.

At the other end of the pitch the Netherlands defence kept Ada Hegerberg quiet throughout, van den Berg looked to be the player tasked with marking the prolific striker and did a stellar job.

With the game perfectly poised at half time, Norway seemed to be running out of ideas on how to deal with the pace of van de Sanden and Lieke Martens on the opposite flank.

It was this duo that combined for the winning goal; Martens floating a pinpoint cross into the 18-yard box and van de Sanden deftly flicking the ball into the back of the net with her head.

The Liverpool winger raced over to the stand where her family and friends were seated and was quickly engulfed by her teammates in celebration, the players reflecting the jubilant scenes in the stands.

As the game drew to a close, the Netherlands saw out the opening victory with ease and were applauded around the pitch at the end in a triumphant lap of honour.

The hosts face Denmark in their second group game in Rotterdam tonight, 7:45pm kick-off BST.

SPRING SERIES REVIEW

Welcome to @LFCladiesfans Spring Series review, including: fixtures, results, analysis, every game, every goal, attendances, awards, more goals, the title winning Development Squad and your @LFCladiesfans Player of the Series.

Upon it’s announcement The FA Women’s Super League Spring Series was initially met with doubt from supporters and critics alike, wondering if these games would merely be a glorified run of friendlies. However the series has been highly competitive and seen impressive and entertaining play, while being wholly accessible to fans from all around the world.

BBC has streamed a number of games on either the BBC Sport website or via the Red Button. Teams around the league have also streamed games live on Facebook, YouTube and official in-house television channels.

A quick glance at the figures from the official Liverpool Ladies Facebook page shows over 325,000 viewers tuned in to watch the 4-0 victory over Sunderland. The video prompted almost 2,000 reactions, over 1,000 comments and was shared 404 times.

 Liverpool manager Scott Rogers has fielded 17 players across the series, handing debuts to youth players Ali Johnson, Ellie Fletcher and Amy Rodgers – while Paige Cole, Serena Fletcher and Megan Taylor have also been involved in and around the first team.

 The Reds produced genuinely exciting football, scoring plenty and going on a six-game unbeaten stretch. The back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Man City at the end of the series providing scope for Rogers and his team to work on improvements ahead of the season proper – albeit hopefully with a full defence to choose from!

Fixtures & Results

W 8 / D 2 / L 4

13.02.17  Hibernian Ladies F.C.  | 3 – 0 |   behind closed doors
22.02.17  Sheffield Ladies F.C.  | 5 – 2 |   behind closed doors
19.03.17  Everton Ladies F.C.  | 2 – 1 |  The FA Cup  –  attendance 728
26.03.17  Notts County Ladies F.C.  | 2 – 0 |   The FA Cup  –  302
17.04.17  Manchester City Women  | 0 – 1 |   The FA Cup  –  3,459
23.04.17  Yeovil Town Ladies F.C.  | 4 – 1 |   FAWSL  –  1,897
28.04.17  Reading F.C. Women  | 4 – 2 |   FAWSL  –  466
04.05.17  Arsenal Ladies F.C.  | 4 – 4 |   FAWSL  –  696
07.05.17  Birmingham City Ladies  | 2 – 0 |   FAWSL  –  1,110
17.05.17  Sunderland A.F.C. Ladies  | 4 – 0 |   FAWSL  –  441
20.05.17  Bristol City Women  | 1 – 1 |   FAWSL  –  1,141
28.05.17  Chelsea Ladies F.C.  | 0 – 7 |   FAWSL  –  1,654
03.06.17  Manchester City Women F.C.  | 1 – 3 |   FAWSL  –  1,508

click the team name above to read the corresponding match report!

Goal Scorers


 Natasha Harding |  6  |  vs Everton, Notts, Reading x 2, Arsenal, Sunderland

Caroline Weir |  6  |  vs Notts, Reading, Arsenal, Sunderland x 2, Man City
Gemma Bonner |  3  |  vs Yeovil, Arsenal, Birmingham
Katie Zelem |  3  |  vs Yeovil x 2, Bristol
Alex Greenwood |  2  |  vs Yeovil, Arsenal 
Shanice Van De Sanden |  1  |  vs Everton
Laura Coombs |  1  |  vs Reading
Jess Clarke |  1  |  vs Birmingham
Casey Stoney |  1  |  vs Sunderland

Pre-Season

Liverpool Ladies played Hibernian, Sheffield and Fylde in three behind-closed-doors friendlies prior to starting their competitive campaign; recording three consecutive victories.

First up Caroline Weir scored twice against her former club Hibs at the Select Stadium, including one trademark strike from 30-yards. The Reds defeated the Scottish Cup winners 3-0 with Natasha Harding also registering her first goal of the year.

Then the Reds took on Sheffield at the Liverpool Academy in Kirby. The WSL2 side had already started their Spring Series in the second division and scored twice through recent signing from Fylde, Lagan Makin.

However Liverpool replied with five strikes of their own; Mollie Green, Gemma Bonner, Martha Harris and two from Shanice Van De Sanden sealing a 5-2 win.

The final pre-season game came while many first team players were away with their countries on international duty, handing manager Scott Rogers a look at several youth players.

Mollie Green scored twice either side of Demi Devereux’s equaliser and Lizzie Earle came from the bench to net the third in a 3-1 win.

The SSE FA Women’s Cup

Liverpool Ladies 2 Everton Ladies 1


In the first competitive action of the year the Reds faced Everton Ladies in The FA Cup, playing 120 minutes as they knocked the Blues out of the cup. 

Tash Harding struck first after just eight minutes; Sophie Ingle playing an incredible ball over the top and out towards Caroline Weir, who crossed the ball into Harding. 

The attacking play in the first half was a sign of things to come in the upcoming Spring Series. Short, sharp passes, probing runs and interchanging forward players eluding the Everton defence. 

Development squad star Ali Johnson made her first team debut on the afternoon and went closest to doubling the lead. Skipping past her marker to curl a strike towards the top corner, one that had Blues ‘keeper Kirsty Levell at full stretch to push wide. 

Everton went on to win FAWSL 2’s Spring Series and following a successful application have been promoted to the top tier for 2017/18 in place of the Reds next FA Cup opponents…

Liverpool Ladies 2 Notts County Ladies 0


In what would turn out to be Notts County Ladies final ever game due to folding, the Reds triumphed over the Lady Pies to reach the Cup semi-finals.


It took Liverpool just three minutes to strike first. Weir forcing Carly Telford into an uncharacteristic error as the referee had waved play on for a foul on Kate Longhurst.

Liverpool were defensively sound throughout the 90 minutes with Ashley Hodson a stand out performer at right-back, rising highest to head Angharad James’ set piece clear.

County went closest to an equaliser yet were denied by Siobhan Chamberlain who stretched to push Rachel Williams shot around the post, Casey Stoney cleared Dani Buet’s resulting corner off the line.

The lead was doubled midway through the second half, the Reds breaking quickly and Weir playing a neat pass for Harding to race on to. Harding curling an impressive strike around Telford and confirming Liverpool’s place in the semi-finals.

Man City Women 1 Liverpool Ladies 0

A tough afternoon for Rogers’ side with Weir only able to play the final twenty minutes of the tie due to injury. 

Chances were few and far between for either side, yet Liverpool defended brilliantly against a City side that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.


The only goal of the game came as England U23 international Melissa Lawley curled an effort from outside the box into the bottom corner in the 57th minute.


With Weir and Johnson coming from the bench to provide reinforcements, Greenwood tried her luck from distance only to watch her strike fly over the crossbar and Weir’s searing strike in injury time was saved by Karen Bardsley.

City went on to lift the Cup at Wembley, defeating Birmingham City 4-1.


FA Women’s Super League Spring Series

Yeovil Town Ladies 1 Liverpool Ladies 4


In a game that has since become remembered more for the missing kit mishap than the free-flowing attacking play from Liverpool, credit must go to the Reds for keeping their composure in a tough Spring Series opener at Hush Park. 


Alex Greenwood encompassing that composure as she stepped up to take a spot kick, calmly slotting home the penalty to give Liverpool the lead.


The lead was twice almost doubled by Caroline Weir, first exchanging passes with Laura Coombs before firing inches wide from 30-yards and then seeing a free kick saved by the ‘keeper.


Captain Gemma Bonner then produced a finish from close range to convert Greenwood’s corner on the stroke of half-time, raising two fists to the jubilant travelling supporters in celebration.
In the second half Katie Zelem came from the bench to net twice, Shanice Van De Sanden with both assists as Zelem arrived in the box to tap two low drives over the line.
Late in the game the hosts pulled a goal back from the spot, Sarah Wiltshire netting following a bizarre decision from the referee.
On the whole an enjoyable away trip to the South West, Yeovil produced a great atmosphere and friendly welcome.


Liverpool Ladies 4 Reading Women 2


Harding shone up front in this convincing 4-2 win over Reading Women in Widnes, the forward with a hand in every game as the Reds secured their second win of the series.

The Wales vice-captain first had the ball in the back of the net after just 66 seconds, Niamh Charles and Greenwood had combined to move the ball up the pitch to Harding who swung a strike around Mary Earps.

Reading clawed their way back into the game in what was a topsy-turvy opening, scoring twice through Harding’s international team mate Melissa Fletcher and Rachel Furness to edge into the lead.

Harding however had other ideas, striking an equaliser midway through the half an then playing through Alex Greenwood who set Weir up to put the Reds back in front.

Further extending the lead in the second half, Harding sent a cross whizzing across the face of goal that was converted by Laura Coombs to round off the victory.


 Arsenal Ladies 4 Liverpool Ladies 4

Liverpool continued an impressive unbeaten run away at Arsenal in the FAWSL with this thrilling 4-4 draw on a Thursday evening at The Hive.

Greenwood had been a source of opportunity for the Reds via set pieces so far in the Series and here netted herself directly from a corner.


The lead initially short-lived as Chloe Kelly struck an equaliser, yet Harding and Weir putting Liverpool 3-1 up at the break.


The game still had plenty of goals to come in the second half, the brilliant Danielle Carter netting twice before Jordan Nobbs hit a superb strike past Chamberlain to put the Gunners ahead for the first time with ten minutes to play.

Unperturbed the Reds would not let their heads drop and only minutes later Bonner rose to head a Greenwood corner into the back of the net and secure a point for her side.


Birmingham City Ladies 0 Liverpool Ladies 2

Jess Clarke made her first start for Liverpool against FA Cup finalists Birmingham City at St. Andrews stadium and marked the occasion with her first goal.

Three minutes into the second half and an assist from – who else – Greenwood as Clarke headed her cross past Ann-Katrin Berger.

Birmingham responded by hitting the crossbar twice through Freda Ayisi, Ellen White forcing Chamberlain into a great close-range save and Ashley Hodson doing well to prevent a Jess Carter ball meeting it’s intended target.

Liverpool sealed the win as Bonner scored her third goal in four games, another set piece curled into the area by Greenwood that was flicked on by Kate Longhurst and finished by Bonner.


 Liverpool Ladies 4 Sunderland Ladies 0

Scoring four goals for the fourth time in five games and their second clean sheet in two, Liverpool turned out a near-perfect display against a Sunderland side that hadn’t yet conceded in the league.

Weir opened the scoring after bringing down Chamberlain’s long ball on the half way line to skip past a Sunderland shirt, swinging the ball into the back of the net from distance.

Confidence was pulsing through the side, the passing sure and steady with Liverpool sweeping the ball across the pitch with ease, comfortable to patiently build their attack.

Greenwood slipped Harding through to double the Reds lead and – after Johnson came from the bench to tee up Weir for the third – also set up Stoney. The fourth goal impressively Greenwood’s seventh assist of the year. That’s seven assists, in five games.

 Bristol City Women 1 Liverpool Ladies 1

Following a promising run Liverpool came up against a well-drilled Bristol defence that were happy to sit back and invite them to attack.


The Reds found it tough to break Willie Kirk’s young side down, chances during the first half were sparse and were unable to capitalise from corners as they had in recent weeks – Bonner beaten to one by Jodie Brett and then heading another wide.

Zelem came on for Weir with half an hour left on the clock, announcing her arrival with a 40-yard hit that landed in the arms of the goalkeeper.

The super sub soon found the back of the net, tapping home Van De Sanden’s cross to put the Reds ahead.

Liverpool lost Greenwood to injury during the second half and also lost her replacement Longhurst to a questionable second yellow card, as Bristol scored an equaliser through a substitute of their own – Lily Agg securing a point for the Vixens late in the game.


Chelsea Ladies 7 Liverpool Ladies 0

Rogers has called this a freak result and it was a uncharacteristic display from his side that were until this point unbeaten in the Spring Series.


The first goal came in the opening minutes, Gilly Flaherty’s header bouncing into the back of the net from a corner, yet after this the tie seemed perfectly balanced.


Liverpool were showing why they were top of the league with promising build up play and daring runs.


However two more goals came in quick succession before half-time and Chelsea, sensing blood, put the Reds to the sword in the second half with four more goals.


 Liverpool Ladies 1 Man City Women 3

The scoreline somewhat flatters Manchester City as Liverpool dominated long swathes of the game, their North West opponents simply converting their chances on the final day of the Spring Series.

City went in two-nil up at half-time with goals from Jill Scott and Melissa Lawley, then found themselves 3-0 ahead with Megan Campbell coming from the bench to net a free kick from an audacious angle.

Liverpool fought back; Clarke agonisingly close to a couple of crosses, Harding almost pressuring the City defence into a mistake and Bonner unable to direct a header on target following Coombs’ corner.

Weir ensured Liverpool would have the final say, scoring the final goal of the series to net a late consolation for the Reds as her left-footed effort crashed in off the post and over the line.


@LFCladiesfans Awards

Player of the Spring Series


Natasha Harding

Prior to the start of the Spring Series there were plenty of questions of who would lead the line for Liverpool Ladies, enter Natasha Harding.

The winger had scored three goals in her first season at the club in 2016 in a wide role; yet was moved into a central position here proving the ideal candidate to lead the roving attack, with excellent link-up play and an intimidating presence that shaped the Reds forward line.

Harding started the year in perfect form, netting against Everton and Notts County in The FA Cup and then continuing that goal scoring run in the Spring Series. A double against Reading, a real poachers effort against Arsenal and hitting one past Sunderland.

In the game against Reading at Widnes, as well as scoring twice, Harding also provided an assist and played the pass that led to the fourth in what was truly an exemplary display.

Tash finished joint top scorer alongside Caroline Weir as she found her best form since joining the club, supporters have plenty to look forward to when the 2017/18 season comes around.

Second: Caroline Weir

Still frighteningly young, the Scot is the heartbeat of the Reds midfield and the catalyst at the centre of the attack. Her vision to shoot from distance unrivalled and her mark on the team best displayed by her cameo against City in the Cup. Weir’s presence in the team is magnificent and her ability to play her way out of tight spaces under pressure impressive.

Third: Alex Greenwood


Another enjoying her best form since joining the club, brilliant going forward and forming an excellent partnership with Niamh Charles on the left. Provided assist after assist with seven in total and chipped in with two goals of her own – including a corner that went straight into the top corner away at Arsenal. Greenwood’s presence was greatly missed as injury forced her out of the final two games.


Young Player of the Spring Series


Niamh Charles

Continuing her impressive rise through the ranks at the club, former U17 captain Niamh Charles enjoyed a run in the first team during the Spring Series.

The young forward had shone in a series of cameo appearances in 2016 and was handed the opportunity to further her progression, forming a good partnership on the left with Alex Greenwood. Covering the full-back as she bombed forward and also linking up brilliantly with Tash Harding up front.

Charles produced her best performance in the first 45-minutes away at Arsenal, including producing a sublime effort that the goalkeeper somehow managed to tip away. 

Also continues to rise up through the age levels at England and will only continue to get better.

Game of the Spring Series

Sunderland (H)


As free scoring Liverpool came up against yet-to-concede Sunderland, many expected a tight contest. 

These expectations were undone early in the contest; Caroline Weir waltzing her way past a couple of Sunderland shirts and striking a now trademark effort past Anke Preuss.


Weir also added a second in-between goals from Harding and Stoney as the Reds defence produced a resolute display to claim a second clean sheet in as many games.

Despite the fact Weir hits these kind of goals on a regular basis, they are never less impressive and it would have taken something special to take Goal of the Spring Series away from the Scot.


video via Kopzone (Instagram)




Moment of the Spring Series


“Gem Bon’s on fire, your defence is terrified…”

Away at FA Cup finalists Birmingham City, playing them at St. Andrews on a sunny afternoon in May, one-nil up with less than ten minutes remaining and Alex Greenwood swings in a set piece.


Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner had already netted twice, against Yeovil and Arsenal, and rose once more here to head home, securing three important points.


Cue the crowd, “Gem Bon’s on fire, your defence is terrified…”.

The sudden outburst a sign of delirium from the travelling supporters, ending a run of tough away games at Birmingham and watching the Reds and Bonner be absolutely boss and better than Birmingham in every way.


Signing of the Spring Series


Laura Coombs

As the Series fast approached and signings were looking thin on the ground, the announcement of Laura Coombs on a permanent transfer from Chelsea Ladies was a move greatly welcomed by supporters.


Coombs had enjoyed a fine season in Red in 2016 while on loan from the Londoners and was once more a mainstay of the Liverpool midfield through the campaign.


The number eight is a solid midfield partner for Sophie Ingle and the perfect back up for the forward line with her clever runs, passing and the ability to patrol the midfield box-to-box.


Unsung Hero


Kate Longhurst


In 2017 Kate Longhurst has been reduced to a number of appearances from the bench and received a ridiculous sending off away at Bristol City.


Yet this failed to stop the passion from Liverpool’s number seven every time she took to the field, giving 110% in every performance. Ever-versatile and willing to fill in where needed, her battling, gritty display in the Cup derby against Everton over 120 minutes the perfect encapsulation of her game.

The midfielder’s on-pitch presence and personality both on and off the field has made Kate a firm fan-favourite since joining the club in 2013.


Development Squad

Vick Jepson’s Development Squad sealed the Northern Development League title with a final day 4-1 win over Durham WFC.

In typical Liverpool F.C. fashion the young Reds won the trophy the hard way, battling their way through an injury-hit year – goalkeeper Jess Carberry played a number of games up front as the Reds struggled to field an eleven at some points. 

Even in that final game Liverpool went a goal down, only to come out for the second half and hit four goals past Durham.

A total of 23 players featured across the course of the campaign, familiar faces Emilie Revitt – making a welcome return from a long injury lay-off – and Shannon Beckwith joined by players promoted from the club’s RTC and from elsewhere; Amy Rodgers, Ellie Fletcher and Levi Rathburn arriving from Manchester United.

Lou Ainscow finished top scorer with ten strikes to her name, followed by Ali Johnson with nine (including an impressive hat-trick against Aston Villa) and Niamh Charles and Mollie Green with seven apiece.

As a testament to the hard work put in by the team and staff over the course of the season, a number of players were handed squad number prior to the first team Spring Series – Paige Cole, Ellie Fletcher, Serena Fletcher, Megan Taylor, Ali Johnson and Amy Rodgers.

Several of those have made their debuts since, Ali Johnson setting up the winning goal against Everton in The FA Cup and both E.Fletcher and Rodgers also handed debuts by Scott Rogers.

Development Squad Player of the Season

Ellie Fletcher

Development Squad captain Ellie Fletcher arrived from Manchester United RTC last summer and has enjoyed a wholly successful first twelve months with the club.

The young centre-back featured thirteen times across the course of the season, playing alongside a host of partners in central defence. 

Ellie’s reading of the game is already excellent, swiftly breaking up opposition attacking play and then looking to bring the ball out from the back. Ellie’s communication with the rest of her team is also key to her role in the side.

Despite missing several games towards the end of the Development season due to injury, Ellie returned as the side secured their league title with a 4-1 victory over Durham – also making her debut for the first team during the FAWSL Spring Series.

Thank you!

Finally, thank you for following @LFCladiesfans over the course of this Spring Series. I’m very proud that the blog is now into it’s fifth year, with six(!) league title winning sides having been reported on in that time.

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 1 MAN CITY WOMEN 3

The FA Women’s Super League Spring Series came to an end on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool Ladies falling to a final day 3-1 defeat to Manchester City Women.
The FA Cup winners had took a 2-0 lead in at the break, Jill Scott and then Melissa Lawley putting the Blues in control. Megan Campbell then came from the bench to score a free kick from an audacious angle to further extend the lead, before Caroline Weir struck a late consolation for the Reds.
Perhaps buoyed by the knowledge title rivals – and eventual winners on goal difference – Chelsea had put seven past this Liverpool side the previous week, City came out all guns blazing.
Toni Duggan drifted wide and picked out Carli Lloyd, yet Katie Zelem was back in defence to block the USA captain’s attempt at a cross and the Reds cleared the resulting corner.
Gemma Bonner then beat Lloyd to a cross in the box and intercepted a through ball from Scott looking for Duggan, enabling centre-back partner Sophie Ingle to hook the ball away.
The Reds were defending well in the initial stages of the game, the memories of the heavy defeat at Chelsea fading away as Ingle and Bonner teamed up to prevent Lawley getting into the box. Siobhan Chamberlain also produced a strong hand to punch a Georgia Stanway effort wide.
Liverpool looked to be content to soak up the pressure from their visitors, waiting for the opportunity to break away and almost succeeding – Tash Harding’s pressing almost forcing City into an error at the back, Steph Houghton scrambling the ball away.
Harding has been a revelation for the Reds in 2017, enjoying a fine run of form and looking most likely here in the first half to make something happen.
The Welsh international went on a surging run down the left wing and tried to slip the ball back to Shanice Van De Sanden – this pass intercepted and so too another a minute later, this time Harding attempting to square the ball to Jess Clarke.
The first real chance of the game for either side came midway through the half, Lloyd finding Duggan with a cross and the no.9 turning to shoot inches wide.
Liverpool looked to be getting a handle on proceedings – Clarke spectacularly winning the ball from Jennifer Beattie to charge forward and cross towards Harding, who arrived a second too late to tap it home.
Van De Sanden’s cross was also headed by Laura Coombs to the feet of Weir, yet the Scottish midfielder was quickly closed down.
It was then that City took the lead, Duggan swinging in a corner that was flicked on by Beattie to Scott, who nodded the ball over her international team mate.
The response from the Reds was to create an opportunity of their own via a corner, Harding and Clarke combining to earn the set piece from which Bonner fired agonisingly wide.
Two minutes into injury time City struck again, Lawley had already been denied by Bonner but there was no stopping the next strike. Lawley spinning just outside the area and curling a wonderful strike into the far top corner to double the lead.
Liverpool came out fighting for the second half, looking more and more likely to score as time went on; Coombs’ strike over the crossbar, Clarke’s cross skimming in front of both Weir and Harding and Bonner unable to direct her header on target from a corner.
City were defending well as the Reds dominated possession, the wall doing it’s job to stop Weir’s free kick reaching the goal goal and Marie Hourihan beating Clarke to the ball after Weir and Van De Sanden had exchanged passes out wide.
However it was the Blues that would score next, substitute Megan Campbell curling in a free kick that thwarted Chamberlain from a tight angle.
Credit to this Liverpool side who wouldn’t let their heads drop; Clarke heading a Coombs set piece wide after Niamh Charles had won the free kick for the Reds near the byline, and the number nine also unable to reach a cross in from Harding.
Liverpool boss Scott Rogers made a triple substitution with five minutes to go, Van De Sanden, Charles and Zelem replaced by Ali Johnson, Kate Longhurst and Amy Rodgers.
As the fourth official indicated there would be six minutes added at the end of the second half, Weir struck a left-footed effort from wide of the 18-yard box – the strike going across the face of goal and in off the post to bag a late consolation for the Reds.

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

REPORT: CHELSEA LADIES 7 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0

Liverpool Ladies impressive unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat on the road at Chelsea Ladies.
Chelsea took the lead in the second minute through Gilly Flaherty, while Fran Kirby and Ji So-Yun both scored on the stroke of half-time to extend the lead.
Any hopes Liverpool held of a comeback ended when Maren Mjelde scored at the start of the second half, and Karen Carney, Erin Cuthbert and Drew Spence finished off the rout.
The hosts – playing their final game at Staines Town F.C. before their move to Kingsmeadow – first found the back of the net as Flaherty converted Carney’s corner. The set piece swung in and Flaherty got the slightest of touches on the ball, nodding it between Siobhan Chamberlain and Casey Stoney.
Despite the final scoreline being lopsided, the tie had seemed perfectly balanced in the approach to the midway stage – Chelsea holding the 1-0 lead yet Liverpool knocking on the door.
Ellie Fletcher, who was making her first start for the first team since captaining the reserves to the league title, breaking up play from left-back. The youngster picking out Sophie Ingle and her cross towards Caroline Weir in the area intercepted.
Weir herself then sent a dangerous free kick into the Chelsea box, Millie Bright able to clear this before it could reach a Red shirt. The Chelsea and England centre-back also heading away a cross from Weir minutes later.
Liverpool were looking more and more likely to grab an equaliser, Weir almost finding the run of Natasha Harding and the Welsh international trying to return the favour – Deanna Cooper there to intercept.
Meanwhile at the back Ashley Hodson did enough to put Crystal Dunn of her cross which flew behind the touchline, and Chamberlain gathered a ball from former Liverpool winger Gemma Davison that was searching for Kirby.
A sign of more goals to come however came when Liverpool were again under threat from a set piece. Stoney thrice getting the ball clear, only to see it come back each time and the Reds only let off when Bright’s header was ruled out for offside.
The reprieve wouldn’t last long, ten minutes later Kirby racing onto Carney’s pass and firing the ball past Chamberlain.
Then it was three, Davison’s fierce cross whizzing across the face of goal to land at the feet of So-Yun – the South Korean making no mistakes from a yard out.
Out for the second half there was no letting up from the Chelsea attack, Mjelde extending the lead to four nil only three minutes in.
Liverpool still had their chances to get back into the game, Niamh Charles brought down by Katie Chapman and Coombs’ free kick sent out for a corner. 
Bright then beat Harding to a cross in from Shanice Van De Sanden. While Harding also squared the ball to Sophie Ingle in an advanced position, Ingle looking for Van De Sanden yet goalkeeper Carly Telford getting there first.
One of the Reds biggest chances came in the 64th minute, Van De Sanden fizzing a cross across the face of goal but Weir arriving a second too late and unable to connect.
Scott Rogers made a trio of changes over the course of the second half, Jess Clarke on for Fletcher and Katie Zelem on for Weir – Ali Johnson entering the action later on for Harding. 
The first two subs came either side of Carney’s strike, the England midfielder skipping out of the way of a challenge from Stoney to score Chelsea’s fifth.
Chelsea also made substitutions of their own, Mjelde replaced by Erin Cuthbert, Ramona Bachmann replacing Kirby and Drew Spence on in place of Davison.
In spite of being five-nil up and cruising, the Londoners refused to take their foot off the pedal and scored twice more in quick succession. Both Cuthbert and Spence piling on the misery for the Reds to ensure a heavy defeat for the league leaders.
A glimmer of hope came when Laura Coombs looked to have volleyed the ball home for a late consolation – Telford producing a brilliant save to tip the effort over the crossbar and sending Liverpool back North empty handed.
An uncharacteristic performance from Scott Rogers’ side, who will review the game before taking on Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium on Saturday afternoon – 3:30pm kick-off.

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

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES DS 4 DURHAM WFC DS 1

Vick Jepson’s Liverpool Ladies Development Squad were crowned winners of the FAWSL Northern Development League on Sunday afternoon; coming from a goal down to beat Durham WFC Development Squad 4-1.
Durham had taken a 1-0 lead in at half time only for Cassia Pike to net an equaliser minutes into the second half. Pike added a second fifteen minutes later before setting Lizzie Earle up to extend the lead.
With the title won, Meg Taylor arrived to tap home the fourth and final goal in the closing stages of the game.
Durham’s first attempt – from which they scored – came after Levi Rathburn had shown great strength in the middle to shrug off her marker. Rathburn then switched the ball across to Paige Cole who won the Reds a corner – Lou Ainscow heading this inches wide.
From the resulting goal kick the well-organised Durham side were quick to move the ball up the pitch, their forward slotted the ball over the line with four minutes on the clock.
The Reds kept pushing forward yet were being kept out by the Durham goalkeeper. The ‘keeper getting just enough on Cole’s cross from deep to stop it reaching Elmore and also beat Ainscow to the ball after good work by Meg Taylor and Serena Fletcher.
A clever ball over the top from Earle was also intercepted and S.Fletcher’s shot from outside the box punched away, Pike unable to reach the rebound.
In defence Ellie Fletcher blocked a long range effort from Durham, allowing S.Fletcher to clear up the pitch, and Shannon Beckwith became a real driving force as the half drew on; urging her team mates on and constantly looking to move the ball.
E.Fletcher recently made her debut for the Reds first team and captained the side here, twice going close to scoring from Earle’s set pieces.
With five minutes left in the first half, Beckwith came under pressure at the back yet calmly flicked the ball across herself to play it out with ease.
Out for the second half after a quick pep talk from club captain Gemma Bonner who was there to support the team, the Reds quickly found an equaliser.
Jepson had made one change at the break, bringing  another recent first team debutant Amy Rodgers on for Ainscow – this allowing Earle to move further forward and Rathburn drifting further wide.
It was Pike who fired home the leveller, arriving at the back back to convert Elmore’s cross in from the left.
Buoyed by the goal, Liverpool began creating chance after chance. S.Fletcher and Pike both with efforts blocked and Pike almost finding Earle with an audacious back heel.
Two goals then followed in two minutes, Pike scoring here second of the afternoon from a tight angle and then setting up Earle who produced a fine finish to extend the lead to 3-1.
Durham went looking for a way back into the game, Becky Flaherty though switched on and quick off her line to gather a long ball sent over the top.
The Reds second substitution of the afternoon seen Pike replaced by Annabel Blanchard, who quickly found herself thrown into the action – turning well in the middle to pick out the run of Ainscow, her cross out for a goal kick.
Blanchard was then involved as Liverpool scored their fourth, flicking on Rathburn’s cross which was tapped back to Taylor by Elmore. Taylor making no mistakes from yards out and ensuring the Reds ran out 4-1 winners to secure the league title.
Liverpool Ladies Development Squad: Flaherty, S.Fletcher, Beckwith, E.Fletcher (C), Cole, Taylor, Rathburn, Earle, Elmore, Pike (Blanchard), Ainscow (Rodgers)

Unused Substitutes: Carberry, Boydell, Thomas

MATCH REPORT: BRISTOL CITY WOMEN 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 1

Scott Rogers’ Liverpool Ladies were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw away at Bristol City on Saturday evening.
Katie Zelem had come from the bench to fire the Reds ahead with ten minutes to play, yet Bristol equalised just minutes later through a substitute of their own – Lily Agg.
There was just one change to the side that beat Sunderland midweek as Shanice Van De Sanden returned to the starting eleven in place of Niamh Charles.
Chances were sparse during the first half, despite Liverpool showing plenty of promise on the ball – Laura Coombs in midfield a particular stand out, controlling and dictating the pace of the game.
While in defence, Casey Stoney stopped Bristol in their attempts to mount a counter attack and intercepted Chloe Arthur’s cross.

Liverpool also had an abundance of corners yet couldn’t capitalise as they had done in recent weeks, Gemma Bonner first beaten to a header by Jodie Brett and then heading one just wide moments before the break.
The second half followed the pattern of the first, Liverpool looking to build up the play patiently from the back and Bristol sitting back and soaking up the pressure.

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

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

Katie Zelem came on for Caroline Weir with half an hour left on the clock, immediately introducing herself with a strike from 40-yard that sailed into the arms of Leach.
Shortly later Ali Johnson also took to the pitch in place of Clarke, while a challenge on Greenwood forced the England left-back off with Kate Longhurst replacing her. 
It was the substitutions that shook up the game, the aforementioned Zelem strike and Bristol substitute Lily Agg showing promise going forward for the hosts. Agg attempting to make a direct run into the Reds area but this matched all the way by Bonner, who was able to square the ball to Chamberlain.
Zelem then opened the scoring on 80 minutes, the midfielder has made a habit out of scoring from the bench, arriving in the right place at the right time to smash the ball into the back of the net. This after Van De Sanden had shook off her marker to cross along the 6-yard box, and flicked on by Harding into the path of Zelem.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the lead was short lived. Claire Emslie’s cross ricochetting around the area before being converted by Agg.
In the games closing stages Longhurst received a dubious second yellow and Liverpool were reduced to ten players for the last few minutes.
Bonner went close for the Reds in injury time yet Bristol held on to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw.
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner (C), Stoney, Greenwood (Longhurst), Ingle, Coombs, Weir (Zelem), Van De Sanden, Clarke (Johnson), Harding
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs