REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 4 SUNDERLAND LADIES 0

Liverpool Ladies produced an exemplary performance on Wednesday night as they defeated Sunderland Ladies by four goals to nil.
The visiting Black Cats had failed to concede in each of their three previous Spring Series games, yet Caroline Weir scored an audacious strike within the opening ten minutes to break their impressive record.
Tash Harding then scored her sixth goal of the year to double the Reds lead, Weir added another in the second half and Casey Stoney tapped home from a corner to round off the scoring.

Reds boss Scott Rogers had named an unchanged eleven to the side that beat Birmingham at St. Andrews, with new signing from Notts County Amy Turner not yet listed amongst the match day squad.

Alex Greenwood has been in outstanding form amongst a team high on confidence, her attacking flair on the left wing providing the Reds with plenty of opportunities going forward and no less than five assists in three games prior to this tie.

It was Greenwood playing high up the pitch and getting in amongst the Sunderland defence that was causing problems in the early stages of the game – Weir spotting the run of the left-back parallel to the 18-yard box and looking to slip her through.

On this occasion Greenwood was stopped at the edge of the area, yet a cross put in two minutes later bounced around the box before Jess Clarke caught the ball on the volley and her shot sailed over the crossbar.

The way Rogers has set his team up this season allows a certain amount of freedom up front for the trio of Harding, Niamh Charles and Clarke with Weir pulling the strings behind them. Sophie Ingle and Laura Coombs providing the foil ahead of the defence.

A lovely touch on the outside of her boot allowed Weir to evade a crowd of Sunderland players and find Charles. The young forward carried the ball up the pitch, picking out the run of Coombs from midfield. Coombs’ shot rebounded to Clarke and Black Cats goalkeeper Anke Preuss saved.

Sunderland were hardly getting s sniff of the ball when Weir opened the scoring, picking the ball up on the half way line, racing forward and taking one look up before curling the likely goal of the season past Preuss with her left foot.

The Black Cats looked for an immediate reaction however were spurned at every turn, Siobhan Chamberlain punching away Beverly Leon’s shot and Ashley Hodson preventing Abbey Joice connecting with a through ball.

Instead it looked Liverpool most likely to score the second; Weir deftly flicking Harding’s cross towards Clarke, Greenwood seeing a cross land in the arms of Preuss, and also watching a stinging effort rebound off the ‘keeper to the feet of Clarke. Pruess recovering well to deny Clarke at point blank range.

Just over ten minutes later and the Reds had the ball back in the net, a sixth assist of the season for Greenwood who slipped through Harding. Harding in turn slotting the ball low under Preuss to register her sixth goal of the campaign.

The confidence in this Liverpool side has never been more apparent than the following 20-minutes that led up to half-time. The passing, the runs, the staunch back line. Looking dangerous every time they headed forward, Sunderland were barely able to get a handle on the game.

Clarke went looking for her second in a red shirt, first with a curling effort and then rising to meet Hodson’s impressive cross from deep.

While Clarke was gunning for her second, Casey Stoney was unlucky not to have her first. Her header from a Greenwood corner an inch over the crossbar.

A lightning fast run from Harding on the left wing led the forward to the byline, from where she attempted to cut the ball back to Charles only for Victoria Williams to beat her to the ball.

Then Weir weaved her way past a couple of Sunderland shirts before hitting a second strike from outside the area – Preuss wise to this effort and collecting the ball.

At the end of the first half it was Liverpool that came under pressure at the back – shortly after Gemma Bonner went close to scoring at the other end – the Reds captain led her back line as they pushed everything away. Chamberlain producing a strong punch, allowing Liverpool to get out of their half and the referee to blow the whistle for the break.

The Black Cats made one change at the break, Stephanie Roche on for Joice – a substitution that seemed to give the visitors a bit more threat going forwards. In the beginning of the second half, Madelaine Hill seen a shot bounce off the outside of the past and Chamberlain pushed former Red Lucy Staniforth’s effort out for a corner.

Still though it looked like Liverpool would be more likely to extend their lead rather than concede.

Weir’s fierce hit landed to the wrong side of the post after the number ten was teed up by Charles and a quick Reds counter – after Chamberlain had again denied Staniforth – seen Clarke denied at the near post.

Ten minutes into the second half Rogers made his first substitution as Ali Johnson came on for Charles. The change immediately producing a goal as Johnson hooked Bonner’s looping cross into the path of Weir who made no mistake from 6-yards out.

Liverpool were 3-0 up and cruising, able to take their foot off the pedal a little while still showing attacking threat – a great save from Preuss stopping Bonner from scoring her fourth goal in five games and Johnson turning in the middle to play through Greenwood, her shot-cross over the bar.

The Reds made two further changes in the second half, Kate Longhurst on for goal scorer Harding and Ellie Fletcher making her first team debut in place of Weir.

Fletcher has had an impressive first year with the Reds Development Squad, captaining the side as they close in on the league title – needing just a point against Durham on Sunday to confirm the honours.

There was time for one more goal as the game entered it’s final stages – four the apparent lucky number for the Reds who have now scored four in four of their five Spring Series games – Stoney tapping home a Greenwood corner (seven assists!) at the far post.

Liverpool did almost made it five for the first time when Ingle’s header was met with an impressive save from Preuss, the Reds Player of the Year denied and the game ending 4-0.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner (C), Stoney, Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs,   Weir (Fletcher), Charles (Johnson), Clarke, Harding (Longhurst)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Caroline Weir

REPORT: BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES 0 LIVERPOOL LADIES 2

Liverpool Ladies continued their recent run of good form at St. Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon, beating FA Women’s Cup finalists Birmingham City 2-0.
Both goals came during the second half; Jess Clarke scoring her first goal for the club on her first start, and Gemma Bonner netting her third goal in four games to seal the win nine minutes from time.
Clarke was the only change to the line-up from Thursday’s high-scoring draw at Arsenal Ladies, the number nine joining Caroline Weir and Niamh Charles behind Tash Harding in attack.
Laura Coombs partnered Sophie Ingle in central midfield ahead of the back four of Ashley Hodson, Bonner, Casey Stoney and Alex Greenwood; Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Each side came into this tie unbeaten so far in the Spring Series and despite each side looking to extend that run, Birmingham perhaps had one eye on next weekend’s Cup final – new manager Marc Skinner making five changes to the side that drew at Manchester City.
Freda Ayisi and Andrine Hegerberg each tested the Reds defence in the opening five minutes; Ayisi twisting and turning yet ultimately unable to find a way past Ingle, and Chamberlain pushing Hegerberg’s attempt around the post.
Bonner was also on hand twice in the games early stages. The Reds captain’s clearance from Ellie Brazil landed at the feet of Sarah Mayling and the former Aston Villa midfielder saw her effort blocked by Bonner.
At the opposite end of the pitch Harding has been a constant threat so far in 2017 for Liverpool Ladies, a central figure in attack. Here again it was Harding forcing the attack, skipping through and forcing Ann-Katrin Berger into a save that landed at the feet of Clarke. Clarke looked up and attempted to find Charles who had cut in from the left wing only for Berger to intercept.
Charles was making her fifth appearance since coming back from injury and once more was linking well with Greenwood out on the left. The two were excellent going forward in last week’s 4-4 draw at Arsenal and were again showing promise here, Greenwood’s cross in the seventh minute skimming the head of the former U17 captain.
Liverpool have also been threatening from set pieces and, after Charles a free kick, Weir’s strike was on target, yet saved by German ‘keeper Berger.
Weir was involved further as the half went on, hitting the post after latching onto a cross from Greenwood and almost exploiting impressive play by her team mates Clarke and Harding – who had exchanged passes on the right – however a yard ahead of the final ball.
Each side continued to push the other, Paige Williams – back from a spell in the Italian league – having a shot blocked by Hodson and Brazil rattling the crossbar with a hit from distance.
Weir went close twice more before the whistle went for half time, again put through by Clarke and carrying the ball forward a couple of yards, unleashing a strike with her left foot that was deflected wide. The Scottish international then chased Ingle’s through ball into the area yet was closed down by several City defenders.
Although each side had had their chances, it was the Reds who would turn these into goals; Clarke heading in Greenwood’s cross only three minutes into the second half – and moments after the hosts had been forced into their second change of the afternoon, Ellen White replacing the injured Hegerberg while Jess Carter had also come on for Marisa Ewers.
Liverpool boss Scott Rogers made a substitution of his own shortly later, Katie Zelem coming from the bench in place of Weir. The midfielder was deployed further forward than her cameo against Arsenal and struck the post five minutes after taking to the field.
The Blues fought back, Ayisi hitting the crossbar – not once but twice! While Chamberlain produced a superb stop to deny White at point blank range and Hodson obstructed Carter’s cross from meeting its intended target.
With just over fifteen minutes to play, Shanice Van De Sanden came on for goal scorer Clarke, almost setting fellow sub Zelem with her first meaningful touch of the ball – Zelem’s strike taking a deflection to land in the arms of Berger.
The win was sealed for Liverpool by Bonner, who once again benefitted from a Greenwood set piece that was expertly flicked on by Kate Longhurst (on for Stoney). The Reds skipper had nicked a point midweek at Arsenal converting a Greenwood corner, and confirmed three points here at St Andrew’s, smashing the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Liverpool are now midway through their Spring Series campaign, having won three, drawn one and scored fourteen goals so far.
They next face Sunderland Ladies at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Wednesday, 17th May at 7pm. Entry is free to all LFC members and season tickets holders or alternatively, tickets are available on the turnstiles for £6.
LIVERPOOL LADIES:Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Stoney (Longhurst), Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Charles, Weir (Zelem), Clarke (Van De Sanden), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH:Niamh Charles

REPORT: ARSENAL LADIES 4 LIVERPOOL LADIES 4

Liverpool Ladies maintained their unbeaten start to the FA Women’s Super League Spring Series at Arsenal Ladies on Thursday night, holding the Gunners to a 4-4 draw.
Alex Greenwood’s opening goal was initially cancelled out by Chloe Kelly, yet Natasha Harding and Caroline Weir scored before the break to give the Reds a 3-1 lead.
In the second half it was the Gunners who edged ahead, Danielle Carter scoring twice and Jordan Nobbs making it four with ten minutes to play.
Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner then netted an equaliser, rising highest to head Greenwood’s corner into the back of the net and ensure the Reds went back to Merseyside with a point.
The Reds had started brilliantly, putting their hosts on the back foot from the opening whistle.
Weir’s presence in the middle of the pitch was the catalyst, in the first minute dribbling her way past three Arsenal players to cut the ball wide towards Greenwood. Then Weir almost played through Shanice Van De Sanden only for the linesman to flag the Dutch winger for being offside.
Liverpool were creeping closer and attacking in droves; Laura Coombs winning the ball from England vice-captain Jordan Nobbs on the halfway line, getting the ball to Charles whose cross couldn’t reach Natasha Harding.
Any attempt the Gunners made to forge an attack of their own was soaked up by the defence; Ashley Hodson preventing Danielle Carter from turning at the edge of the box, Siobhan Chamberlain gathering Leah Williamson’s effort from distance, and Greenwood shielding the ball out for a throw and away from Kelly.
The Reds pressure continued to build as they looked more likely to capitalise on their efforts. Harding has been in fine form so far this season and a great run down the left wing earnt a corner that was first batted away by the Gunners defence.
From this Liverpool pushed back in, winning a throw-in close to the touchline. Harding took the throw which was flicked on by Bonner yet unable to fall at the feet of a Liverpool player – cleared out for another corner.
Greenwood’s set piece delivery has provided the Reds with plenty of opportunity in recent weeks, but she saved this one for herself. Stepping up to take the corner and swinging it straight into goal with her left foot to give Liverpool a deserved lead.
Rattled, the hosts stepped up their game. Nobbs’ cross headed wide by Anna Patten, Coombs intercepting a low cross intended for Nobbs from Carter and a corner thrice cleared by each of Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Casey Stoney.
An equaliser came for the Gunners as Kelly converted Carter’s cross at the near post.
In the game last Friday against Reading, both Greenwood and Niamh Charles had shone out on the left and Charles was once again a stand out here.
The youngster forcing a corner following a superb run, cutting in from the left and shimmying around a defender to hit a sweet strike – the shot matched by a great save as Sara Van Veenendaal somehow managed to tip it over the crossbar.
It was from the resulting corner that the Reds regained the lead, the ball bouncing around the area before Van Veenendaal’s attempt to clear hit Harding on the back and rolled over the line – they all count, as the Wales international would say after the game and Harding has now scored five goals in six games in 2017.
Charles could count herself unlucky not to on the scoresheet again just a minute later, powering forward and playing a one-two with Van De Sanden but again denied by Van Veenedaal.
However Charles’ work wasn’t done for the first half and an excellent ball was headed into the back of the net by Weir – giving Liverpool a 3-1 lead at the break.
The tables turned in the second half, shortly after Stoney was forced to withdraw – replaced by Katie Zelem with Ingle stepping back into central defence – Carter cut in from the right to curl a strike in at the near post.
A double substitution followed for the Gunners, former USA international Heather O’Reilly and England striker Jodie Taylor on for Charlotte Wubben-Moy and Kelly – the change giving Arsenal more zip in attack as they began to look the more threatening side.
With just over half an hour to play, Arsenal had their equaliser. A near match for her previous goal, Carter once again scored from outside the box.
Liverpool began to find their feet again with the score level. Zelem laid the ball off for Greenwood to shoot from distance, and Charles almost teed up Van De Sanden only for the Dutch winger to be stopped once more by her international team mate Van Veenendaal.
As the game entered its final stages, Nobbs fired the Gunners into the lead for the first time and Liverpool were defending wave after wave of Arsenal attacks.
Having already scored from two set pieces, anticipation was high when Harding ran past two Arsenal defenders to win another corner for the Reds.
Duly, it was Reds captain Bonner who rose highest to head the equaliser past Van Veenendaal – her second in three games – and Liverpool held on to secure the 4-4 draw.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Stoney (Zelem), Greenwood, Ingle, Coombs, Weir, Van De Sanden (Longhurst), Charles (Clarke), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Laura Coombs

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 4 READING WOMEN 2

Natasha Harding shone in a leading role for Liverpool Ladies in Widnes on Friday night. The Welsh international had a hand in each goal as the Reds defeated Reading Women 4-2.
Harding first had the ball in the back of the net after only 66 seconds, only for Reading to score twice in quick succession through Brooke Chaplen and Melissa Fletcher to put the visitors ahead.
Midway through the first half Harding netted her second to level proceedings, then played the pass that allowed Alex Greenwood to set up Caroline Weir and seen her second half cross converted by Laura Coombs.
With three goals in the opening ten minutes, each side struggled to grasp control of the game.
The ever-improving Greenwood, looking stronger every game, spurned a Reading attack to move the ball up the field towards Niamh Charles. The young forward, who has also recently returned from injury, initially lost the ball but quickly won it back to play in Harding.
Harding carried the ball forward and curled a fine finish in off the far post to make it 1-0 to Liverpool.
The lead was to be short-lived however and former Everton and Sunderland midfielder Brooke Chaplen – who loves a goal against Liverpool – struck an effort from range that thwarted Reds number one Siobhan Chamberlain.
Back on level terms with just over three minutes on the clock, Reading’s Rebecca Jane attempted to cross the ball towards the waiting Fletcher. Sophie Ingle read the danger well and was quickly out to intercept. The ball went out for a corner which Chaplen caught on the volley yet Ingle once more was able to clear.
Undeterred the visitors went back in again, a cross in from the left this time only half cleared by the Reds defence and Fletcher volleying the ball home.
Suddenly behind after a quick turnaround Liverpool began to show more promise going forward. Harding, with her back to goal, tapped the ball to Coombs who in turn sprayed it wide to Charles on the left wing – her cross caught by Earps.
Then Reds captain Gemma Bonner took a free kick from inside the Liverpool half that was flicked on by Harding, yet Earps was off her line to grab the ball before Shanice Van De Sanden could pounce.
As the game began to settle Chamberlain did well to hold onto Rachel Furness’ hit from distance, while at the other end Charles was denied her first goal for the club by Kirsty McGee.
Midway through the half Harding struck again following brilliant build up play; Hodson had shrug off a challenge over on the right to get the ball across to her full-back counterpart Greenwood, from there Charles again played through Harding who bagged the equaliser.
Harding was flying and Liverpool were beginning to impress. A smart move started by Coombs led to Harding and Greenwood exchanging passes, Greenwood racing to the by-line and putting the ball on a plate for Caroline Weir to re-establish the Reds lead.
Liverpool took a 3-2 lead in at the break despite Reading piling on the pressure searching for another equaliser. Last weekend’s super sub Katie Zelem, the only change in the line-up replacing Kate Longhurst, blocking a Remi Allen strike and Weir also back in defence to win the ball back in the 18-yard box.
The visitors came out fighting again in the second half, Furness sending a free kick wide.
Harding was at the heart of everything, playing her best game yet in a Liverpool shirt and should really have had a penalty awarded after being pulled down in the Reading box – the referee waving away her claims.
The Wale vice-captain wasn’t put off however and a minute later displayed lightning pace to cut past the Reading centre-half, squaring the ball to Coombs who made no mistakes from a yard out.
From here Liverpool really were in control and cruising, the trio of Charles, Greenwood and Harding linking up as Harding tried to find Weir with a nifty back hell that was intercepted by the defence.
Earps would also deny Harding her hat-trick, out to intercept Weir’s intended pass, while Chamberlain twice stopped Reading getting back into the game – superbly saving a Fletcher strike after the ball had ricocheted around the area and also holding substitute Charlie Estcourt’s effort from distance.
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Ingle, Greenwood, Zelem, Coombs, Weir, Van De Sanden (Longhurst), Charles (Johnson), Harding
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Natasha Harding

It was a convincing win in the end for Scott Rogers’ Liverpool Ladies side who are the early pace-setters in the FAWSL Spring Series. The Reds are back in action on Thursday night away to Arsenal Ladies in a 7:30pm kick-off at The Hive.

X-REDS: Catching up with Fylde [Part 1]

Previously on X-Reds:

Having visited Mill Farm to watch Fylde Ladies F.C. on two occasions already in their 2016/17 campaign, and with plans to attend their final game of the season against Middlesbrough; I had grand thoughts in my mind of a Fylde trilogy for X-Reds.

Then a couple of weeks ago when looking up their results and upcoming fixtures, I spotted a new fixture listed against recently crowned Women’s Premier League North champions Blackburn Rovers. The full time website was showing that this game was to be played in Swindon however, undeterred, I began to make plans on how to get there before realising: why the hell would Fylde be playing Blackburn in Swindon.

As you will be unsurprised to hear and much to my relief, the game was not to be played at the County Ground in Swindon, but the County Ground in Leyland.

When I remembered the plans for completing the ‘Fylde trilogy’ in the game against Middlesbrough I briefly considered just going to this game as a supporter, before remembering that now it is fully acceptable (kind of) to split the final part of a trilogy into two parts. So that is what this is, part one of part three with part two of part three coming in a couple of weeks.

SMP Photography

Fylde are a team that I’ve come to, unapologetically, really like; with the trio of X-Reds they have in Yasmine Swarbrick, Olivia Wild and Eve Kennerley and the overall atmosphere at the club. I’ve even got a Fylde scarf and a handy bottle opener keyring. So despite Blackburn having an X-Red in their ranks in Jess Holbrook (Ellie Stewart also now on the Rovers playing roster but ineligible to play in this game), I headed to the game – the Lancashire Women’s Challenge Cup final no less – in full support of the Coasters.

TEAM NEWS

Manager Conrad Prendergast made four changes to his team from Fylde’s last game away at Nottingham Forest; Yasmine Swarbrick – who scored in this fixture last year – and Eve Kennerley named on the bench along with Laura Walker.

Danielle Brown returned between the posts while Development Squad graduate Leah Foster led the line up front – supported by Olivia Wild playing further up the pitch than usual, playing just behind Foster yet ahead of the midfield.

The back line had England youth international Olivia Wilkes at right back, Alice Forshaw on the left and captain Charlotte Farrell partnered by Jenna Carroll in central defence.

Danielle Young, Chloe Adam, Kim Turner and Hannah Forster completed the line-up for the Coasters.

FIRST HALF

With the air of a typical Cup final, a tense first half was played out in Leyland with not much in the way of clear cut chances for either side.

In the opening ten minutes Foster closed down Blackburn goalkeeper Danielle Hill, winning the ball and cutting it back to Forster yet the defence recovered well and were able to clear their lines.

Then at the other end Holbrook struck an effort that took a deflected to land safely in the arms of Brown.

The biggest chance came when Faye McCoy, who scored twice in the derby at Mill Farm late last year, seen a header cleared off the line by Turner and, almost immediately, up at the other end Wilkes’ cross appeared to hit a defenders hand only for the referee to wave away Fylde’s calls for a penalty.

SECOND HALF

Fylde came quick out the blocks in the second half, leaving Rovers temporarily stunned, Wilkes sent a fizzing cross along the 6-yard box yet it couldn’t quite reach Wild – who had made a great run to the back post – and the defence were able to clear.

A series of Blackburn set pieces were then turned away by Fylde; Wilkes heading one clear, Brown catching one and a third headed onto the crossbar after being swung in by Holbrook.

SMP Photography

With 35 minutes to play, a welcome sight came from the bench as Swarbrick was introduced in a straight swap for Foster. Then, five minutes later,  came Kennerley. The duos impact was immediate and their fighting spirit clear as they battled for every ball.

Swarbrick up front and chasing everything and everyone, closing down the ‘keeper and dropping back to defend and Kennerley giving the Coasters a bit more steel in the middle of the park, winning the ball and constantly looking to move it forward.

Unfortunately for Fylde, Blackburn would eventually capitalise on one of their set pieces. McCoy heading the ball over the line and providing the league winners with the cup winning goal.

In the games closing stages as the Coasters chased an equaliser – and came close through Wilkes driven strike from distance – both Wild and Carroll were forced off through injury.

–

It is a crushing blow to lose a final, to lose a final by one goal, to lose to your local rivals.

However this Fylde side can take pride in how they applied themselves, going toe-to-toe with Blackburn who have lost only once all season and there are plenty of positives the Coasters can take into their final few games of the season, and then on again into 2017/18.

Fylde face Middlesbrough at Mill Farm in their final game of the season on Sunday 14th May, 2017 – 2pm kick-off.

Photo credit – SMP Photography 

X-REDS: Stopover in Bristol

Previously on X-Reds:

The Return of #StanWatch

I’m a Breaker!
Derby Day in Freezing Fylde
Fantasy Fylde

Yeovil away.
The one trip I wanted to avoid from the Spring Series, and therefore obviously Liverpool’s first game.
As it happens with the atmosphere inside the ground, the crowd and the staff of Yeovil Town, it was one of my favourite away trips following the mighty Reds. The 4-1 score line helped as well.
Yeovil being as far away as it is – a 500 mile round trip – we decided to stay over the night before in Bristol where, as fate would have it, Bristol City Women kicked off the FAWSL1 Spring Series on Saturday night against Reading Women.

The perfect opportunity to catch up with ex-Liverpool defenders Megan Alexander (Bristol) and Mandy Van Den Berg (Reading); although Dutch captain Van Den Berg was unable to play due to an injury picked up on international duty.

It was brilliant to watch Megan play once again, the defender left Liverpool for Everton – the side she made her Reds first debut against – in January 2015 before moving to Bristol twelve months later.

The left-back made 19 appearances for the Vixens in 2016 as they earned automatic promotion from WSL2, and started here this afternoon.

When this blog first began reporting on Liverpool’s Development Squad, it was Alexander that stood out. In November 2013, the side beat Durham 6-2 and Alexander was named Player of the Match; “a particularly impressive second-half performance, a hat-trick of chances capped with a well taken goal.”

Alexander has a lovely attacking flair and since leaving Liverpool this has continued to develop alongside the defensive part of her game. To watch her play at Ashton Gate on Saturday evening, back in the top flight amongst a talented young Bristol side was great and, despite the result, the Vixens can walk away from the game feeling hard done by.

–

REPORT: BRISTOL WOMEN F.C. 1 READING WOMEN F.C. 3

Having dominated the opening 45-minutes Bristol fell to three second-half strikes and pulled a late consolation goal back; Reading simply taking their chances well.

The visitors also had Mary Earps between the posts, the ‘keeper recently named in the WSL PFA Team of the Year, and a back three consisting of Harriet Scott, Kirsty McGee and Anna Green.

When Bristol had the ball the Reading back three reverted into a back five, with Rebecca Jane and Rachel Rowe dropping back into defence with help from Rachel Furness in midfield.

Melissa Fletcher led up front for Reading, yet at times looked isolated despite support from Brooke Chaplen and Lauren Bruton – Charlie Estcourt completed the line-up in central midfield.

Bristol’s first chance of the game came down the left flank, Alexander attacking with intent and finding Claire Emslie on the overlap. Emslie’s cross was intercepted and Chloe Arthur fired over the crossbar.

The hosts passing was a joy to watch; quick, short passes leaving the Reading defence sliced wide open and forcing Earps into a low save with her foot. Emslie was a constant bright spark on the left and shortly into the first half, cut in and hit a shot that beat Earps but bounced back off the post.

Although it was Bristol with the more meaningful chances in the first half, when Fletcher closed in on goal at the other end she was quickly supported by Chaplen and Bruton only for Vixens goalkeeper Caitlin Leach off her line to gather up the ball.

Of the Reading defence it was McGee in the middle who impressed most and when on the ball looking to carry it out from the back. In the middle of the field Estcourt was twice robbed of the ball, first by Lauren Hemp and then by Jodie Brett who each looked to move the ball forward although still Bristol couldn’t make their efforts count.

Midway through the half Brett swung in a free kick that was met by Alexander, yet unfortunately her low drive was caught by Earps.

Reading finished the half strongly, Furness’ hit was blocked by the Bristol defence and fell to Jane out wide. Jane moved the ball back towards Chaplen who struck her effort over the bar.

Furness then threaded a ball through to Bruton who in turn looked for the run of Chaplen, with Bristol captain Hayley Ladd out to intercept.

As the half drew to a close Reading seemed to be consigned to shooting from distance, Fletcher latching onto a pass infield from Rowe and hitting a shot from outside the box that was blocked. Green also took a short free kick to Chaplen who had positioned herself just wide of the Bristol wall, again the final shot closed down.

Reading’s luck however would change in the second half following the introduction of Remi Allen for Estcourt. A set piece straight from the training ground two minutes in, with Rowe’s corner bouncing off the head of Furness towards the back of the 6-yard box and into the back of the net.

With the 1-0 lead the Royals continued to defence in numbers and then scored twice in quick succession – Rowe and Fletcher making it 3-0 just fifteen minutes into the half.

Another fifteen minutes passed and Bristol pulled a goal back, Hemp with the strike, but this merely a consolation and the Royals picking up their first three points of the season.

–

Liverpool face Reading in Widnes this Friday night and Bristol at the Stoke Gifford Stadium on Saturday 20th May. Good luck to both Megan and Mandy with the rest of their seasons!

REPORT: YEOVIL TOWN LADIES 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 4

1,897 supporters watched as Liverpool Ladies defeated FAWSL1 newcomers Yeovil Town Ladies 4-1 at Huish Park on Sunday afternoon.
Alex Greenwood gave Liverpool the lead from the penalty spot, Gemma Bonner converted a corner on the stroke of half-time and Katie Zelem came from the bench to net twice in the second half. Sarah Wiltshire also bagged a goal from the spot as Yeovil pulled back a late consolation.
The Reds, playing in Yeovil’s yellow away strip after leaving their kit back in Widnes, controlled the game from the opening whistle, looking hungry for goals and showcasing wonderfully free-flowing attacking football.
Greenwood and Niamh Charles on the left wing, Shanice Van De Sanden and Ashley Hodson on the right and Caroline Weir ahead of the returning Laura Coombs in midfield all key partnerships across the pitch, with Natasha Harding leading the line up front.
Kate Longhurst partnered Coombs in the middle of the field, while Sophie Ingle dropped back into defence – Casey Stoney missing out on the trip – to play alongside Bonner and Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
It took just three minutes for Liverpool to create their first goal scoring opportunity; Harding was brought down outside the 18-yard box and raced onto Greenwood’s set piece – Yeovil goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes quick to react and tip the ball away.
Harding then matched the run of Van De Sanden a minute later, the Dutch international’s low cross however a yard behind Harding and the Yeovil defence able to clean up at the back.
Next it was Weir with two chances in quick succession, first firing just wide of the target after exchanging passes with Coombs 30-yards from goal and then seeing a well-taken free kick saved by the ‘keeper.
Midway through the first half, with the Reds pressure continuing to build, Charles rifling effort from the edge of the back came crashing back off the post and the ball landed at the feet of Van De Sanden who in turn fed through Weir. The nominee for the PFA Player of the Year took a crack at goal that was handled in the area and Greenwood stepped up, eluding the goalie to coolly convert the penalty.
In defence Reds Players’ Player of the Year Ingle seamlessly slotted back in alongside Bonner and Liverpool defended well as a unit; Hodson got the better of Kelly Snook after she looked to have been put through by Nia Jones while Ingle got across to snuff out a well-worked counter attack from the hosts.
The Reds then impressed on a quick counter of their own, Bonner and Coombs teaming up to clear a Yeovil set piece and Liverpool fast out of the blocks in a move that ended with Harding’s hit deflected wide.
Greenwood took the resulting corner that bounced once in the box before Reds captain Bonner prodded the ball home from 6-yards.
Liverpool continued committing players forward as they kicked off the second half, Weir slipping the ball wide to Greenwood and her cross flicked on by Harding yet Van De Sanden unable to reach it.
Greenwood was up and down the left flank all afternoon, not shirking from her defensive duties as shown when the England left-back chased down Yeovil’s Lucy Quinn and strongly won the ball back for the Reds.
The chances were flowing for Liverpool; Coombs could only guide a Van De Sanden cross over the crossbar while the Van De Sanden seen a rocket of a shot initially spilled by the ‘keeper who recovered quickly under the threat of the looming Coombs.
With 30 minutes to play Zelem entered the field to replace Weir and had the ball in the back of the net seven minutes later – tapping Van De Sanden’s low ball past Haynes.
The game threatened to hit a lull with the Reds in cruise control and three-nil ahead. The perfect time then for Liverpool boss Scott Rogers to introduce exciting new signing Jess Clarke, the winger signed from the new-defunct Notts County Ladies before the transfer window shut earlier this month.
Clarke sparked the tie back into life and immediately flung herself into the action, curling a strike from 25-yards towards the near post however Haynes had it covered.
Then, just after Yeovil had had claims for a penalty of their own waved away by the referee, the unforgiving Reds made it four through the same combination of the third – Van De Sanden once more teeing up Zelem.
Yeovil had the penalty they had been crying out for with thirteen minutes left on the clock, a controversial spot kick awarded against Sophie Ingle and Sarah Wiltshire scoring a consolation for the large home crowd.
With the three points secured Rogers also introduced 16-year old Amy Rodgers for her first team debut. Rodgers signed for the Reds Development side from Manchester United and has impressed during their successful season so far.
Another substitute that refused to shy away from the action, Rodgers was straight in combining with Coombs to win the ball in midfield and strongly heading away an Annie Heatherson cross.
Liverpool Ladies are back in action on Friday night, the Reds play Reading Women at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes at 7pm. Entry for all LFC season ticket holders and members is free of charge, alternatively adults pay just £6 on the gate.
LIVERPOOL LADIES:Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Ingle, Greenwood, Longhurst (Rodgers), Coombs, Weir (Zelem), Van De Sanden, Charles (Clarke), Harding

PLAYER OF THE MATCH:Alex Greenwood

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 2 NOTTS COUNTY LADIES 0

Liverpool Ladies reached the semi-finals of the SSE Women’s FA Cup on Sunday afternoon after beating Notts County Ladies 2-0 in Widnes.
Caroline Weir had put Liverpool ahead three minutes into the tie and Natasha Harding added a second midway through the first half.
PHOTO: LFC LADIES
Reds manager Scott Rogers made just one change to the side that beat Everton last weekend; England international Casey Stoney making her debut in for Katie Zelem, slotting in at centre back alongside Gemma Bonner and allowing Sophie Ingle to move into midfield.
Weir’s opener came after Kate Longhurst had been brought down outside the box. With Liverpool still in possession, the referee allowed advantage to be played and Weir capitalised to send a low drive squirming underneath Notts goalkeeper Carly Telford.
The Scottish international almost had another just minutes later, Alex Greenwood made an excellent run down the left flank to cut the ball in towards Weir. Weir flicked the ball over Laura Bassett but ran into another Notts shirt and the visitors were able to clear their lines.
Liverpool were defensively sound throughout the 90 minutes with Ashley Hodson a stand out performer filling in at right back. Hodson rose highest to head away Angharad James’ swinging free kick and made a crucial interception to prevent a cross finding its way into the box.
Siobhan Chamberlain then saved well from international team mate Rachel Williams, stretching to tip her effort around the post, and Stoney cleared Dani Buet’s resulting corner off the line.
Notts would be left to rue these opportunities as Liverpool countered quickly, Weir turning provider to play Harding through. Harding carried the ball forward a few yards before curling a superb strike into the back of the net.
Reds skipper Gemma Bonner then cleared yet another Notts effort off the line following a period of sustained pressure in and around the Liverpool box.
Sophie Ingle also headed the ball calmly into the arms of Chamberlain under pressures from Williams and Stoney intercepted a pass intended for the forward from Kirsty Linnett.
Soaking up the pressure from the visitors, Liverpool then went on to have a hat trick of chances before the half was up.
The most notable chance an impressive run and cut back from Shanice van de Sanden, the Dutch winger picking out the run of Longhurst who fired inches over the crossbar. Bonner was also denied by Telford from a corner and Ali Johnson shot over after also being teed up by van de Sanden.
In the second half van de Sanden was unable to convert a cross in from Weir, the ball deflected out for a corner. Notts initially cleared the set piece however Liverpool found a way back in and Harding was stopped by a great save from Telford.
The Reds defence continued to impress during the second half. Linnett attempting to skip through the back line only to be challenged by Ingle, Aileen Whelan stopped in her tracks by Bonner and a marvellous block by Hodson denying Linnett at close range.
As the game drew to a close Harding and van de Sanden both seen chances go the wrong side of the post while Johnson sent an effort over the crossbar in injury time.
The visitors tried but ultimately couldn’t find a way through Liverpool’s back line, Bonner seeing off Williams with ease in the final minutes and Chamberlain out to collect a threatening cross.
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Stoney, Greenwood, Ingle, Longhurst, Weir (Zelem), Johnson, van de Sanden, Harding
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Gibbons, Taylor, Cole

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Sophie Ingle

FOUR YEARS OF @LFCLADIESFANS

Hello followers of @LFCladiesfans! Today, 24th March, marks the fourth anniversary of the beginning of this blog. It has been an eventful, crazy and fun-filled four years and I wanted to mark the occasion by counting down the top five personal highlights I have had since embarking on this adventure four years ago.

Notable highlights that just about missed out on the top five: 

The relentless pursuit of Natasha Harding on Twitter; being convinced several times over that the Welsh wonder had signed for the Reds before being handed a Wales shirt by the woman herself as an apology for, “I’m always winding you up saying I’m signing for Liverpool”. By this point convinced that Tash would never sign for Liverpool, just nine months later reading a press release from the club confirming that the winger had signed for the Reds from Manchester City. I always knew it… honest.

Recognition for the blog from the players, I’m not one to toot my own horn – this a pun I’m hoping many regulars at the Select Stadium recognise – but in the four years since beginning my blog I’ve been lucky enough to receive signed boots from Whitney Engen, Kate Longhurst and Natasha Dowie and worn shirts from Fara Williams and Lucy Staniforth. Each a surprise and each a more than appreciated gesture. Further to this, despite not being shortlisted for the awards, a number of players – and of course followers of the blog – tweeted in support of @LFCladiesfans at the 2016 Football Blog Awards and for that I was more than grateful.

Writing for The Anfield Wrap and appearing on their podcasts alongside Scott Rogers, Vick Jepson and Danielle Gibbons and also featuring in a live show with Kate Longhurst and Libby Stout.

Now for the Top 5…
5
Starting the blog!

 This may seem like an obvious point, however four years ago today Liverpool Ladies took on Everton in the Continental Cup. Four years ago today I got home from work, watched the derby on an online stream and then had no one to talk to about the game afterwards. Four years ago I decided to start a Twitter account/ blog to make sure I had someone to talk to about the games afterwards – I’ve certainly found that and more!

My article published in LFC magazine ahead of the 2016 season

 For all the social media accounts that supported and promoted Liverpool Football Club none had the specific angle of promoting Liverpool Ladies and so I created my own.

 Admittedly @LFCladiesfans was then founded under a limited knowledge. I’d watched the Red women on a number of occasions previously but never with a serious understanding of the players involved, the league or indeed the history of the women’s game.

 The Twitter account grew to 100+ followers within the first week and this was when I realised more people than just me wanted to know more about this team, it was a quick learning curve for me and still the women’s game, leagues and teams are something I am constantly wanting to learn from and about.

 Across social media platforms since 2013 @LFCladiesfans has grown to an audience of over 8,000 followers (EIGHT THOUSAND!) and has been featured by LFC magazine and matchday programme, The Anfield Wrap, SheKicks magazine, This Is Anfield, Anfield Index, WWF Show, Daily Star newspaper, Premier Inn hotels and Empire of the Kop.

4
Youth League Titles

In four years of LFCladiesfans, the blog has reported on four title winning sides – one league title per year!

LFC Ladies Development Squad 2014/15

The Development Squad managed by Matty Campbell and Vick Jepson in 2014/15 started the season strongly before losing a couple of key players in the middle of the campaign and suffering a dip in form – the 12-game unbeaten run disrupted by a run of three defeats and a draw.

The team were then supplemented by players from the U17s, joined by a couple of new additions from Manchester United and embarked on another unbeaten run of five games to claim the league title. The victory made all the more sweeter as the the title was clinched during a 4-1 win over Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies.

Later that year another youth side at the club began a successful league campaign; The U17s, coached by Andy Newland and Charlotte Healy, lifted their first title beating Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers to the honour for the first time.

The young Reds, assisted by Niamh Charles and a number of other soon to be familiar faces, raced into a lead at the top of the table and enjoyed memorable wins over Everton (4-3 and 2-0), United (2-1) and Blackburn (4-1).

During the Spring Series first team boss Scott Rogers has spoke of how he wants to use the game to integrate the youth into the first team, there is certainly a lot of talent at the club and, as the current U16s close in on another league title, the future for Liverpool Ladies is bright.

3
Following the Reds in Europe
After winning the league in 2013 Liverpool Ladies qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
The following year the Reds drew Swedish outfit Linkoping and defeated the strong side 2-1 in Widnes in the first leg.
A week and three flights later (Manchester to Oslo to Copenhagen to Linkoping) myself and five other fans braved the trip to freezing Sweden. A memorable couple of days followed – though we won’t mention the result of the football – been given free ice cream, enjoying a few drinks with friends met via Liverpool Ladies and the experience of supporting Liverpool on a European away.
In 2015 Liverpool then drew Italian champions Brescia CF however the injury-hit Reds once more suffered knock-out in the Round of 32. The warmer climate of the Northern Italian town was appreciated, particularly in stark contrast to Linkoping the preview October and another trip following Liverpool proved to be another great experience. 

2
World Travels: From Boston to Fylde

As well as Sweden and Italy, the blog has taken me further afield. In 2015 and as part of my University degree I secured a summer work placement with Boston Breakers in the NWSL, I was devastated when this fell through due to paperwork. However with a Uni module still to complete and a bit of money saved up I decided to go out on my own to Canada and cover the Women’s World Cup through my blog.

Basing myself in Montreal and watching as Liverpool’s Fara Williams was crowned Player of the Match in England’s 2-1 win over Colombia, I also caught, arguably, the game of the tournament as Germany knocked France out in the quarter finals and the semi final between eventual winners USA and Germany.

Meeting up with a couple of friends over there, we travelled down the coast to Toronto and Niagara Falls and also stayed in Ottawa as England beat Norway 2-1 with a cracker of a goal from Lucy Bronze.

While in Canada I met up with Damian who follows my blog and after travelling down to New York also met up with Chrissie who follows LFCladiesfans from there!

With Yasmine & Liv at Fylde Ladies FC

Since Canada I’ve started a section on the blog called X-Reds where I follow ex-Liverpool players to their new clubs and report on the game, this has so far taken me to Boston to see Matt Beard, Louise Schillgard, Libby Stout and Natasha Dowie, Chicago to support Amanda DaCosta, Sunderland to watch Lucy Staniforth and – my favourite – Fylde to see Yasmine Swarbrick and Livi Wild turn out for the Coasters.

With plans to attend the Euros in the Netherlands this summer, this part of the blog will continue to grow and feature even more X-Reds!


1
Watching Liverpool Ladies lift the league title… twice!

How could number one be anything but watching Liverpool Ladies lift that first league title in 2013.

Laws; Bronze, Bonner (C), Engen, Schroder; Omarsdottir, Williams, Rolser, DaCosta, Fors; Dowie

What an 11!

Watching the Reds lift that first league title, taking the crown from holders Arsenal and including an excellent win over the Gunners at the Emirates (4-nil!) and a Natasha Dowie hat-trick over Everton!

League title number two of course deserves an honourable mention here, the manner in which the trophy was lifted taking at least 10 years off my life expectancy – there are images of me sitting on the floor of the Select Stadium during the final 10 minutes of the win over Bristol floating about.

A special thank you goes out to everyone that has followed LFCladiesfans, whether from the start or just last week. I love every minute of following and supporting Liverpool Ladies and to have been able to maintain this blog for four years now is a testament to those who follow and read it!

-Heather

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 2 EVERTON LADIES 1

Liverpool Ladies progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, defeating Everton Ladies 2-1 after extra time.
Tash Harding put Liverpool ahead after just eight minutes with Simone Magill levelling for the visitors in the second half, Shanice Van de Sanden then headed home the winning goal in extra time to send the Reds through to the next round.

Harding and Van de Sanden were joined in attack by debutant Ali Johnson, the young forward stepping up from the Development Squad to make her first start.
Caroline Weir, Katie Zelem and Kate Longhurst made up the midfield three with Alex Greenwood, Sophie Ingle, Gemma Bonner and Ashley Hodson in defence – Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Harding’s opener was Liverpool’s first chance at goal and came just a minute after Everton’s Claudia Walker had headed a set piece over the crossbar at the other end, Weir had drifted out to the left wing and curled a low cross towards Harding at the near post who clipped the ball past Kirstie Levell.
Liverpool were passing the ball well with short sharp passes, Johnson and Weir linking on the left as Weir almost found Harding again and a sweeping move across the pitch involving Zelem, Weir and Van de Sanden ending in a corner for the Reds – one that seen Bonner’s header land in the arms of Levell.
On the 30-minute mark it was Johnson who came closest to doubling the Reds advantage, skipping past an Everton player and curling a left-footed effort towards the top corner, forcing Levell to stretch and push the ball around the post.
Everton were also pushing for an equaliser, captain Michelle Hinnigan firing over the crossbar after a driving run in midfield and a Danielle Turner cross ricocheting off Hodson to earn the Blues a corner that was claimed by Chamberlain.
Shortly before being substituted for Mollie Green, Harding went for her second of the game from 25-yards; a fierce hit that took a deflection from centre-back Gabby George, enabling it to be gathered by Levell.
There continued to be chances at each end of the pitch, Weir’s corner headed on by Bonner to Longhurst only for her header to be cleared off the line and Chamberlain denying former Reds forward Walker at point blank range.
Chamberlain was also forced into action again to save from Blues no.10 Magill after Danielle Turner’s cross reached the Northern Irish international, however the Reds stopper couldn’t keep Magill out all afternoon and the forward levelled the score with 20 minutes to play.
Liverpool pressed for a winner as the final whistle loomed, Johnson’s shot saved by Levell, Greenwood heading Weir’s corner inches wide and Zelem’s ferocious strike from 40-yards bouncing back off the post and across the face of goal.
Johnson shone in the second half, at one point battling her way through two Blues on the left wing to nudge the ball forward to Van de Sanden; the no.11 whipping a low pass towards Zelem arriving at the edge of the box but the midfielder unable to control.
Another player who stood out across the 90 minutes was Longhurst in the holding midfield role, arguably the perfect player in a game like this. Longhurst’s grit and determination to hold the fort ahead of the back line was impressive, intercepting passes and challenging for the ball; the midfielder also picked up the first yellow card of the afternoon for bringing down Everton substitute Emily Hollinshead.
With neither side able to find a winner within the 90 minutes, extra time followed with each side continuing to test the other.
Bonner’s last minute sliding tackle doing enough to prevent Walker taking a shot while Longhurst dropped back deep in defence to intercept a pass from Magill.
Liverpool found the breakthrough in the 108th minute as Johnson’s inch-perfect cross met van de Sanden, the Dutch winger heading past Levell and to send the Reds back in front.
The Blues responded yet a resilient Liverpool batted everything away – scrambling away a corner with Hodson out to clear any remaining danger, Greenwood and Johnson combining to get the ball away on another attack and Bonner twice blocking shots from Walker.
LIVERPOOL LADIES:Chamberlain, Hodson, Bonner ©, Ingle, Greenwood, Longhurst, Zelem, Weir, Johnson, van de Sanden, Harding (Green)
UNUSED SUBS:Gibbons, Taylor, Rodgers, Fletcher

PLAYER OF THE MATCH:Kate Longhurst

video via Kopzone on Instagram (originally aired on LFCTV)