REPORT: BIRMINGHAM CITY LADIES 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 0 (AET)

Birmingham City Ladies progressed to the semi finals of the Continental Cup at the expense of Liverpool Ladies on Sunday afternoon.

It took over 120 minutes for a goal to be scored, Coral-Jade Haines coming off the bench and breaking Liverpool hearts in added time of extra time as she prodded the winner over the line.

The Reds couldn’t be faulted for their efforts in what was an evenly matched cup tie; Laura Coombs had struck the post in the first half while Tash Harding and Emma Lundh also went close.

Liverpool boss Scott Rogers kept his side unchanged from last weekend’s comeback victory at Arsenal, sticking with a 4-3-3 formation with Siobhan Chamberlain behind a defence of Satara Murray, Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Mandy Van Den Berg.

Coombs was joined in midfield by Kate Longhurst and Katie Zelem; Harding, Shanice Van De Sanden and Caroline Weir led the attack.

The opening five minutes saw both sides tentatively passing the ball about, neither taking a risk and appearing cautious in possession. 

Van Den Berg has seen a recall to the starting lineup in recent weeks at due to left back Alex Greenwood facing a spell on the sidelines and the game sparked into life when the Dutch captain intercepted a pass.

This interception allowing Van Den Berg to play a quick one-two before bombing forwards and finding Weir arriving in the box, Weir firing just wide.

Finding space now at the other end of the field Birmingham forward Kirsty Linnett sent a dangerous ball into the Liverpool area, this was gathered by Chamberlain.

Chamberlain was on alert again moments later, the home side pressing back forwards and earning a corner. This floated to the edge of the box and was headed tamely towards the Reds ‘keeper.

On either wing Van De Sanden and Harding were the stand out performers for Liverpool, chasing every ball and applying pressure to the defence.

Harding chased one particular ball in the first half that seemed to be a lost cause, the Blues defender certainly believing so, yet the winger reached it on the touchline with lightning quick speed and swinging a cross in that connected with Weir, her low hit deflected wide.

From the resulting corner Harding herself attacked the ball at the back post, this effort was blocked 

For large parts of the first half Liverpool were on top, yet ultimately unable to capitalise on the chances created.

Coombs went closest hitting the post from 25 yards out, while Harding from prevented from getting a shot in by a well-timed challenge after a pinpoint pass from Weir.

The Reds were quick out the blocks for the second half, Harding again closing in and clipping a shot that had new Blues ‘keeper Ann Katrin Berger beat but somehow was kept out by Jess Carter.

However chances on the whole became sparse for both sides and it would be extra time before another meaningful opportunity.

Into 30 minutes of extra time with penalties looming, Birmingham piled on the pressure. A set piece glancing across the face of goal and Chamberlain at full stretch to keep Haines’ hit from reaching the top corner.

At the midway stage Niamh Charles entered the action in place of Van De Sanden and the youngster made an immediate impact, impressively beating her marker to cut the ball back up the box towards Lundh – who had entered the fray for Coombs earlier.

Lundh arrived unmarked but could only watch as her low drive was blocked on the line.

Straight back up at the other end, Haines let a shot fly from outside the box that again had Chamberlain diving to keep out.

Not long after the assistant referee had held up the board to show one additional minute at the end of the 120, Haines finally broke the deadlock amidst a sea of bodies in the area to tap over the line from yards out.

Liverpool were out of the Cup with almost the last kick of the game and now face just  league games between now and the end of the campaign, with the aim surely being to move back into the top half of the table – the Reds currently sit 5th on 16 points, 4 behind Birmingham with a game in hand.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Murray (Hodson), Bonner (C), Ingle, Van Den Berg, Coombs (Charles), Longhurst, Zelem, Harding, Van De Sanden (Lundh), Weir

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Natasha Harding

X-REDS: I’m a Breaker!

It’s been a while since I last blogged about X-Reds, a new section of the blog started with good intentions back in April before having to take a back seat due to university work (I’m now a graduate!).

But now, it’s back. X-Reds has gone global – I’m in Boston!
I’ve come out here on a footballing pilgrimage, those who have followed LFCladiesfans for a couple of years may be familiar with my blogs on trips to Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash in previous summers. To mark graduating uni and before entering the scary world of applying for graduate jobs, I decided to take a trip to America and take in as many NWSL games as possible.
Arriving in Boston on Friday and watching their 3-2 defeat to Sky Blue FC yesterday afternoon (more of that later in the blog), on Wednesday I’ll be headed to New York to watch the Flash play on Saturday and the following weekend catching both Chicago Red Stars and another Breakers game before coming home.
Boston Breakers are of course managed by ex-Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard, the coach who turned the Reds’ fortunes around, signing countless excellent players, won two league titles and led us into Europe for the first time. 
Matt has been joined in Boston by Whitney Engen, the US defender who cemented a place in the national team while at Liverpool. Whitney has been named captain of Boston, but is away with the US at the moment due to her inclusion in the Olympics squad.
Also following Matt to Boston is Louise Schillgard (was Fors) and Libby Stout. 
Louise one of my favourite players to have watched at the Reds back in 2013, and out of retirement to play for the Breakers and not to overuse the word favourite, but my favourite goalkeeper Libby Stout! 
On the day of the game my friend and I visited Havard University as the team play at one of their stadiums – Jordan Field.
The stadium is a short walk from the main Harvard campus and is right next door to the colossal Harvard Stadium – which you could walk right into and look around.
One thing that I love about women’s football games in America is how excited everybody appears to be from the staff to the supporters about the game, the Breakers haven’t had much luck in recent weeks and have registered just one win in the league this season. Yet there was an optimistic atmosphere – likely helped no doubt that the club announced the signing of another ex-Liverpool player Natasha Dowie (46 goals in 67 appearances for the Reds) two hours before kick off.
Dowie wasn’t at the game yesterday but hopefully will be across for the Orlando game on the 31st.
I collect football scarves so bought a Breakers one (along with a shirt) for my collection, I even put it on for one hot brief second before realising that it was about 30 degrees out and swiftly put it into my backpack. The shirt however stayed on. 
We settled into our seats, sat back to relax and watch the game. Then a drum started in the next section to us. I thought I’d left the drum behind in Widnes and here was a travelling group of maybe 15-20 Sky Blue fans that could rival Liverpool’s excellent support. Although the lyrics to the songs could do with a little work, what could better Caroline Weir’s Scottish ballad. 
The Sky Blue fans also had a cow bell which was interesting and pretty much sang continuously from the opening to the final whistle.
The Breakers supporters had drums of their own – and flares! 
On the field the Breakers got off to the best possible start, Stephanie Verdoia winning the ball inside the Sky Blue half and playing a nicely timed pass wide to the chasing Stephanie McCaffrey. McCaffrey’s cross bounced around the box before being sent over the line by Angela Salem – scoring her first goal for the club in just the 3rd minute.
Just over 20 minutes later however, and following a couple of good saves by Sky Blue keeper Caroline Casey, Christen Westphal brought down Leah Galton in the area. Sarah Gillion stepped up to take the spot kick and duly equalised for the visitors.
Before half time, they would take the lead. Galton poking home Natasha Kai’s cross to put Sky Blue 2-1 up.
At half time my friend Jack left, we had tickets for Paul McCartney at Fenway Park and he didn’t want to miss any of it, so I moved to the opposite end of the pitch to sit with what I’m going to call the Breakers Ultras, because of the flares.
Unfortunately Sky Blue found the back of the net once more, a very well worked set piece move finished by Erica Skroski.
The Breakers rallied during the final 10 minutes; Schillgard, who I was genuinely thrilled to watch play live once more, became the centerpiece and it will be interesting and exciting to see her possibly revive her on-field partnership with Natasha Dowie once she arrives. As I mentioned on twitter yesterday in their one and only season together at Liverpool they netted a combined 29 goals with a number of Dowie’s assisted by Schillgard herself.
It was Schillgard who teed up Julie King for the Breakers second of the afternoon. A delightful free kick that landed perfectly for King to head past Casey – leading my new Ultra friends to set off a flare!

This led to a tense ending to the game as the Breakers pressed for an equaliser that never came, the tie finishing 3-2 to Sky Blue F.C.
All in all it was a promising display from the Breakers, 2 goals scored against a side that hadn’t conceded in the previous 3 games and a defence that contained Christie Rampone(!). 
The side were also missing Engen and the suspended Brooke Elby, while Dowie could be the goal scorer they need to finish some of the chances created in the opening 30 minutes.
Following the game it was good to catch up with Matt and see both Libby and Lollo! It’s also been great to meet Tris who lives in Boston and supports both Boston and Liverpool, I love being able to go to new places and meet people that I have met through LFCladiesfans! I’m already looking forward to my return trip here on 31st July.
p.s. my taxi pulled up outside of Fenway Park just as Macca came on stage, talk about timing! Although he got the words to Hey Jude wrong, na na na na, Fara Williams! 

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 2 READING FC WOMEN 0

Natasha Harding struck her first goal in a red shirt as Liverpool Ladies eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over promoted side Reading FC Women.
Both goals came in quick succession during the first half, Laura Coombs had teed Harding up for hers and then netted one of her own to seal the victory.
Scott Rogers had navigated a tumultuous start to life as manager of Liverpool Ladies, with one win in six as the Reds had no trouble finding the back of the net yet struggled defensively.
In recent weeks however the current has begun to turn. A thumping 4-0 victory away at Sunderland in May was followed by back-to-back hard fought draws with top of the league Manchester City.
Next came progression to the quarter-finals of the Continental Cup with a battling derby performance against Merseyside rivals Everton.
Now the Reds are unbeaten in five, having conceded just once – away at City – and scored eight goals with seven different scorers.
Rogers reverted to the side that had twice frustrated City; Caroline Weir flanked either side by Natasha Harding and Shanice De Sanden; Rosie White, Kate Longhurst and Laura Coombs in midfield and a back line that is now unchanged in the last five games with Siobhan Chamberlain in goal behind Satara Murray, Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Alex Greenwood. 
To say that Liverpool dominated the first half would be an understatement, the neat passes and clever runs a demonstration of understanding amongst team mates and a mark of a team taking shape and coming together. 
The Reds set up camp in the Reading half, drawing a couple of early free kicks as Greenwood first swung one inside the box that was met by Harding yet took a deflection to fall into the hands of Reading goalie Mary Earps.
Then Harding was fouled at the edge of the area after exchanging passes with Greenwood and Coombs stepped up to send the set piece inches wide.
On a couple of occasions Reading broke ranks; the ever-impressive Murray intercepting one hopeful ball forward and finding Longhurst. Longhurst in turn got the ball wide to Van De Sanden who exhibited her explosive pace to cut in and square to Weir, however the move ended with the Scottish international’s strike blocked. 
Reading’s Emma Follis then created a chance for herself, finding space and shooting from distance. The effort flew past the backtracking Chamberlain but, fortunately for Liverpool, crashed back off the crossbar and the Reds were able to clear.
The visitors would be left to rue this chance as with almost the next move Liverpool took the lead. Coombs put Harding through and the Welsh winger finishing low past Earps to chalk up her first goal for the club and put Liverpool ahead. 
Just seven minutes later it was 2 – Coombs this time the recipient of the ball within the area, a wonderful through ball from Weir, and lifting the ball over Earps’ shoulder from  yards out.
As half time loomed both sides had chances, White unable to control her header following a Weir set piece and Harding closed down by two Reading defenders inside the area before she was able to get a shot in.
For Reading Jade Boho-Sayo could only watch as Chamberlain dived to punch her effort clear, while back at the other end Van De Sanden had Earps beaten once more with a fancy flick yet the centre back managed to head away. 
Reading made two changes at the break as they looked to drag themselves back into the game, Amber Stobbs and Molly Bartrip on for Helen Ward and Hannah Knapton.
The substitutions made a difference for the visitors and they had an array of chances at the beginning of the second half. Bonner expertly defending a low cross 6-yards out from goal and Coombs smartly showing Boho-Sayo away from goal before dispossessing the former Bristol forward and allowing Longhurst to carry the ball away.
Then Chamberlain rose highest to claim a corner before quickly reacting to Follis’ shot at point blank range, preventing the no.7 from pulling a goal back.
Reading also hit the woodwork once more in the second half, Stobbs seeing Chamberlain push her strike onto the crossbar with the rebound hurriedly cleared by Bonner as Follis looked to capitalise.
The Reds were carving opportunities out of their own as Reading looked to pull a goal back, the second half more of an even contest and both Harding and Van De Sanden causing the opposition defence plenty of problems.
Van De Sanden latching onto a long ball forward to round Earps yet let down by a first touch that was a tad too heavy and allowed the ball to run away from her, while Harding almost doubled her tally for the afternoon but seeing her header from a Weir free kick land in the arms of Earps.
Despite Reading’s second half resurgence, Liverpool impressively defended as a team to keep their fourth clean sheet in five games – a huge positive they can take into their next game, same time next Saturday against Notts County Ladies.
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Murray, Bonner (C), Ingle, Greenwood, Longhurst, Coombs, White (Zelem), Harding (Charles), Van De Sanden (Hodson), Weir
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Natasha Harding

REPORT: EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 1

OVER 1,000 supporters were in attendance at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes to watch Liverpool Ladies knock Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies out of the Continental Cup.

A scrappy opening to the game seen chances for either side sparse before Emma Lundh caused chaos inside the 6-yard box on the stroke of half-time, rising highest and appearing to head the ball past Kirstie Levell.

The forward has since declared on her Twitter account that she didn’t get the final touch, attributing the goal to Blues defender Dan Turner.

Scott Rogers had made several changes to the team that drew away at Manchester City; the back line remaining unchanged with Siobhan Chamberlain behind Satara Murray, Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Alex Greenwood.

Mandy Van Den Berg returned to the starting 11 in defensive midfield and was joined in the centre by Katie Zelem and Caroline Weir – the Scottish international playing a slightly deeper role than of late.
Lundh also started alongside Tash Harding and Shanice Van De Sanden in attack.

Having missed the opening 10 minutes due to the revised kick off time and heavy traffic, my first taste of derby day action was rather subdued – although I’m reliably informed Murray made an impressive early challenge to prevent Rosella Ayane getting a shot in when the on-loan Chelsea youngster was through on goal.

The Blues went close again when another loan signing, Chloe Kelly of Arsenal making her debut, won possession deep in the Liverpool half and hurriedly fired a shot at goal that was easy for Chamberlain to collect.

Liverpool chances flowed through Greenwood, both her delivery from open play and set piece a source of opportunity for her team mates.

Centre back pairing Ingle and Bonner both connecting with corners yet Ingle was unable to direct her header on target and Bonner’s attempt was gathered by Levell.

From open play Greenwood had also found Weir in the box, Harding neatly flicking the ball onto Weir but Everton’s Turner blocking her ball towards Zelem who had surged forward to aid the attack.

Then Greenwood herself almost capitalised on good wing play by Van De Sanden, the no.11 had cut in from the right to send a pass to the left back 20 yards from goal. Greenwood struck the ball well and was denied only by the leaping Levell who punched her shot over the crossbar.

Everton’s greatest chance of the game came as Kelly twisted and turned inside the Reds penalty box, squirming away from her marker to shoot from 10 yards out – Chamberlain quick to react and palming the effort away.

The Reds took the lead shortly later as Lundh was the only red shirt amongst a sea of blue inside the 6-yard box as Greenwood’s delivery from a corner dropped in the middle; Lundh jumped and seemed to get the final touch, yet the goal will likely go down as a Turner own goal.

Neither Lundh nor Turner returned with their respective sides following the break, Rosie White on for Lundh and Turner replaced by Ellie Stewart.

It’s fair to say that Murray has enjoyed a fine run in the side this season, this her fourth consecutive start on the right of the defence. In the first half the American had been penned back in her own half, yet as Everton faltered she was able to move higher up the pitch.

Dispossessing a blue shirt of the ball just inside the Everton half and carrying the ball high up the pitch, the final cross intercepted before it could reach a team mate.

Liverpool dominated proceedings in the second half however were unable to capitalise with a second goal, Greenwood once more refused a goal against her old club by Levell and then White fizzing a chance wide after being put through by the left back.

Levell made it a hat trick of impressive saves shortly after the hour mark, stopping Ingle’s effort at point blank range.

Controversy then reigned as former Reds defender Stewart received her marching orders for a challenge on Van De Sanden.

Everton were down to 10 as Liverpool continued to see the game out with ease, into the final minutes of the game Harding showcasing her pace after tapping the ball wide to Greenwood, receiving it back to nudge it around the Blues right back – her final ball stopped by the defence.

There was time for one more Everton chance, another ex-Liverpool player Claudia Walker letting a shot fly from 20 yards but luckily for her former club this went inches wide and the Reds progressed into the quarter-finals.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Murray, Bonner ©, Ingle, Greenwood, Van Den Berg, Weir, Zelem, Harding, Van De Sanden, Lundh

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Alex Greenwood

REPORT: MANCHESTER CITY WOMEN 1 LIVERPOOL LADIES 1

ROSIE WHITE charged through Manchester City’s defence to put Liverpool Ladies ahead in the 4th minute at the Academy Stadium today, scoring the first goal City have conceded in 8 league games.
The Reds produced an excellent first half performance, with brilliant passing and movement. Scott Rogers’s side were also unlucky not to double their lead before the break as Caroline Weir struck the crossbar and even unluckier to then concede an equaliser in the second half as City kept their unbeaten record intact through Jane Ross’s leveller.
Rogers had named an unchanged side from the Reds last game before the mid-season break, the only change to the match day squad seeing Martha Harris making an appearance amongst the substitutes following injury.
Before White struck the opener City had looked threatening in a move of their own; Satara Murray getting across to prevent Toni Duggan from shooting.
Murray had kept Duggan quiet in the previous game and continued her impressive run of form with another strong display against the England forward.
Duggan would be left rueing this opportunity as almost immediately Liverpool opened the scoring at the opposite end. Shanice Van De Sanden instrumental and White the benefactor, beating two defenders to slide the ball past Karen Bardsley and into the back of the net.
Liverpool then dominated the remainder of the half, Van De Sanden fouled 40 yards out and Alex Greenwood – who netted for England during the international break – went for goal only to see Bardsley wise to her effort and across to stop the ball crossing the line.
Bardsley was also called into action when another smart move involving Kate Longhurst, Laura Coombs and Tash Harding resulted in a probing cross looking for White and Caroline Weir.
There was plenty of pressure from the Reds in and around the City penalty area, Harding and Weir unable to capitalise on Demi Stokes’s stray pass and Van De Sanden earning a corner from which Weir’s shot was deflected out for another.
When called upon Liverpool’s defence was resolutely sound, Gemma Bonner halting a quick counter by Stokes and her partner in central defence Sophie Ingle blocked Jennifer Beattie from nabbing an equaliser. The Scottish midfielder had connected with Duggan’s set piece yards from goal.
The majority of Liverpool’s chances were coming down the right. Murray finding the space to press forward and cutting the ball in towards Weir, yet her perfectly weighted shot struck the crossbar.
City manager Nick Cushing made one change at half time as Nikita Parris replaced Daphne Corboz however it was again the Reds who would create the first chance of the half, White driving the ball to Harding in the box.
Harding denied a goal against her old club only by a well-timed challenge from former Red Lucy Bronze.
The home side grew into the game, invigorated by the substitution but Liverpool continued to defend well; a Steph Houghton free kick crashing off the wall and the Reds clearing the resulting free kick with ease.
Siobhan Chamberlain then produced a quartet of saves to keep Liverpool in the game, first gathering a Parris hit struck from 20 yards, then denying Duggan and debutant Tessel Middag – perhaps the most impressive save of the three as the Reds no.1 could only have seen the strike late yet dived to keep the ball out.
Jill Scott was also on target with Chamberlain palming away her effort as the Reds came under immense pressure in the second half.
Man City equalised after winning possession deep in the Liverpool half, the ball finding its way wide to Parris who curled a deceiving cross towards Jane Ross who tapped home from just yards out with 25 minutes to play.
With the score level both teams chased a winner, Weir going on a mazy run unchallenged to try her luck from 30 yards but the hit narrowly over the bar and Bonner heading a free kick just wide.
Into the final minutes City sent Megan Campbell on for Abbie McManus, Campbell’s throw ins an impressive part of her skill set and causing trouble amongst the Reds defence – each one landing inside or at the edge of the 6-yard box.

Liverpool also had a last roll of the dice with Niamh Charles replacing Harding, the young winger with the Reds last chance of the game and prevented from scoring the winner by Bardsley.

LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Murray, Bonner (C), Ingle, Greenwood, Longhurst, Coombs (Zelem), Weir, Van De Sanden (Lundh), White, Harding (Charles)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Rosie White

REPORT: Liverpool Ladies 0 Manchester City Women 0

Liverpool Ladies produced a defensively sound display on Wednesday evening, holding top-of-the-league Manchester City Women to a goalless draw in Widnes.

After 3 straight defeats Liverpool had returned to winning ways in style last week, defeating Sunderland Ladies 4-0 after from home.

Manchester City however posed a different obstacle – unbeaten in 6 previous league games, with 6 straight wins, and yet to concede a goal.

There were no changes to the back line that had kept the clean sheet in the North East, Siobhan Chamberlain behind a back four of Satara Murray, Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Alex Greenwood.

Kate Longhurst partnered Laura Coombs in the middle, with Shanice Van De Sanden returning to the starting 11 in place of Emma Lundh alongside Tash Harding, Rosie White and Caroline Weir in attack.

A cagey start to the match ensued, Weir’s strike after closing in on goal the first real chance for either side. Longhurst excelled throughout the 90 minutes with her drive and determination and here had found Weir who, with both centre halves chasing, watched as her shot was saved by England keeper Karen Bardsley.

Both sides grew into game, City’s winter signing Kosovare Asllani nipping past a couple of red shirts, poised to take a shot however a strong challenge by Bonner stopped the Swedish international in her tracks.

Van De Sanden was getting herself amongst the opposition defence, showcasing her frightening pace as she switched wings with the equally hard-working Harding; the Welsh winger tapping a short ball to Weir, who turned and attempted to pick out the run of Van De Sanden yet the City defence read the move well to clear.

Earlier in the season the Reds had shown great fight in their 1-0 win over Birmingham City and the same backs-against-the-wall defending was once more on show here in both halves.

A first half Steph Houghton free kick ricocheting it’s way in and around the box and each of Coombs, Ingle and Bonner blocking attempts from blue shirts before a foul was given on Bonner.

Murray also continued her impressive return to the side from injury, effectively marking Toni Duggan – in the opening minute intercepting a through ball from the England forward before it could meet its intended target.

The full back also, quite casually, took the ball from Asllani shortly into the second half. A dangerous ball landing at the feet of the Swede inside the box and Murray taking the ball, then fouled by Asllani in frustration in an effort to win the ball back.

It was Liverpool who started the second half the brighter of the two sides, working down either wing with first White and Van De Sanden combining and looking for Harding and Weir. The latter making runs into the 18-yard box but the final ball intercepted by the City defence.

Then Greenwood won possession high up the pitch to square the ball wide for Harding, the winger making her second appearance against her former club and blocked by ex-Red Lucy Bronze from getting a cross into the box.

It didn’t take long for City to find their groove; Ingle calm under pressure inside the area to turn and carry the ball away, clearing as far as Jane Ross who could only fire wide.

Chamberlain then twice denied Bronze, a clever move seeing Duggan tee the full back up, her low drive finding it’s way past the defence and Chamberlain quick to stop it crossing the line. Then an effort reminiscent of Bronze’s winning goal for England against Norway in the World Cup looked destined for the top corner only for an impressive save from the Reds no.1 to keep her out.

With 60 minutes played, Liverpool’s defence continued to thrive against the relentless City attack.

Jill Scott looking for Duggan but Greenwood there, Ingle heading away a ball sent over the top – Bronze chasing back in and Harding getting between her and the ball to shield out for a goal kick.

City kept coming back however, Coombs getting in the middle of a passing move that had seen Dugan cut the ball back to Scott who tried to send it forward once more to Christianson.

Liverpool weren’t without chances of their own and found themselves dominating in short periods, a Bonner free kick resulting in a corner. This falling to Coombs outside the area who squared back wide to Greenwood, her left footed strike collecting by Bardsley.

Then a counter from the Reds had Van De Sanden, Harding and Weir all closing in on the City goal yet Bardsley got herself on the end of the final ball.

The best Liverpool chance came with 12 minutes left on the clock, another Greenwood set piece dropping in the centre of the box but White’s header somehow flew inches over the crossbar.

6 minutes of injury time had been added at the end of the second half and still City continued to pepper the Reds defence, Bonner and Coombs combining to clear from one push forward and Ingle with a sublime block, reading the game well to come out from the back and stopping substitute Georgia Stanway from sending a cross towards goal.

The final kick of the game came as Bronze fired over the crossbar, Liverpool providing a masterclass in defence to deny City a seventh straight win and heading into the mid-season break with 8 points chalked onto the table.

Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Murray, Bonner (C), Ingle, Greenwood, Coombs, Longhurst, White, Van De Sanden (Hodson), Weir (Lundh), Harding (Charles)

Player of the Match: Gemma Bonner

REPORT: SUNDERLAND 0 LIVERPOOL 4

After 3 consecutive league defeats Liverpool Ladies returned to winning ways in style with a comprehensive and hard working 4-0 victory away at Sunderland Ladies.
The Reds had put three past reigning champions Chelsea in their last outing, yet had conceded six.
There were several changes made to that side, keeping the formation at 4-3-3, Satara Murray making her return from injury and her first appearance of the campaign on the right side of a back four of Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle and Alex Greenwood – Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Ahead of them Laura Coombs returned to the started 11 alongside Kate Longhurst and Rosie White in the middle, while Emma Lundh made her first start since the previous Sunderland tie 3 weeks earlier to join Tash Harding and Caroline Weir in attack.
This is a Sunderland side not to be underestimated, displayed best when they came back from 2-0 down to take a share of the points in Widnes last month.
As in that game the Black Cats created the first clear cut chance of the game as Keira Ramshaw burst into the Liverpool box, only to see her drive pushed around the post by Chamberlain.
From the resulting corner Murray, then Ingle got the ball away kick starting a move that led to the opening goal.
The Reds attacking in numbers, quick out their own half with White charging down the middle and unleashing a strike from the edge of the box and flashed across the face of goal and into the back of the net after crashing off the far post.
Good defending followed from Liverpool to keep their hosts from netting an equaliser. Murray particularly strong, shielding the ball into the path of Bonner for the skipper to clear and then holding off Stephanie Roche with ease to turn and carry the ball out of defence.
Brooke Chaplen had scored a brace in the 2-2 draw, yet was kept at bay here – closed down by Bonner and Ingle in the box to send a shot wide of the post.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Lucy Staniforth was also twice denied by Chamberlain from set pieces, the number 1 punching the first wide before impressively stopping a deceiving effort from Staniforth in stoppage time – the ball having swerved in low towards the near post.
Before that second effort however Liverpool had managed to wriggle themselves out of trouble for the time being and create chances of their own, Longhurst turning well on the halfway line to set Lundh down the right but her cross was met by another ex-Red in goalkeeper Rachael Laws.
Down the other wing Harding was wreaking havoc, one run seen the Welsh winger cut in along the byline and brought down in the box by Sunderland captain Steph Bannon.
Greenwood stepped up to take the spot kick, firing the ball past Laws despite the keeper diving the right way to double the Liverpool lead shortly before half-time.
Into added time at the end of the half the aforementioned Staniforth free kick troubled the Reds, Chamberlain’s save resulting in a corner which was cleared off the line by Greenwood; the left-back scoring then preventing a goal.
A muted opening to the second half followed, the Reds perhaps wary of their hosts and the comeback still fresh in the memory.
In the opening exchanges it was again Sunderland who threatened, Murray rising above everyone to head away a header and Chamberlain sharp to get down and block the rebound.
Chamberlain also denied Staniforth once more; a dipping effort struck finely but tipped over the crossbar.
Due to the solid defensive display the Reds visibly grew in confidence as the half drew on, Coombs impressive with her box-to-box performance, nipping at the heels of the Sunderland players – at one point winning the ball 30 yards from goal with a  sliding interception, getting back to her feet to shoot just wide.
Harding and Lundh on each wing were also working tirelessly, the two switching play and holding the ball up well.
On the left Harding and Greenwood linked well, the connection growing stronger over the course of the game with Greenwood overlapping a number of times on a couple of exciting moves forward.
Harding was Liverpool’s primary threat on the night and while countering from a Sunderland corner down the right wing, hit a cross that swung fiercely into the area with Weir arriving at the back post, giving Bannon no choice but to attempt to clear only to see the ball fly past her own keeper.
Liverpool were 3-0 up, arguably at the point it looked more likely to be Sunderland getting a goal back.
Reds manager Scott Rogers made a trio of changes during the second half as Katie Zelem, Shanice Van De Sanden and Ashley Hodson came on for White, Weir and Murray.
A smart move as Van De Sanden immediately got amongst the defence and was unlucky not to convert a chance created by Lundh, the Swede working her way into the box from wide and playing a low ball to Van De Sanden who was quickly closed down.
There was time for one more goal, Van De Sanden teeing up fellow substitute Zelem who scored her 4th goal in 3 games.
Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Murray (Hodson), Bonner ©, Ingle, Greenwood, Longhurst, Coombs, White (Zelem), Lundh, Weir (Van De Sanden), Harding

Player of the Match: Natasha Harding

REPORT: CHELSEA LADIES 6 LIVERPOOL LADIES 3

Katie Zelem’s opening goal within the first minute gave Liverpool the best possible start away at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The reigning champions then showing their ruthless streak; Karen Carney’s equaliser followed by goals from Fran Kirby, Drew Spence and Eni Aluko ensuring the Blues went in 4-1 up at half-time.
Liverpool almost turned it around in the second half. Caroline Weir converting a free kick and substitute Emma Lundh further reducing the deficit yet Kirby and Spence both netted their second of the game for the tie to finish 6-3 to Chelsea.
The score line equalling the all-time WSL record for most goals scored in a single game, matching Liverpool’s 9-0 victory over Doncaster in 2013.
Laura Coombs was once again unavailable to play against parent club Chelsea, Kate Longhurst replacing her in the line-up and playing on the right of a back four consisting of the returning Alex Greenwood at left-back, centre back duo Gemma Bonner and Mandy Van Den Berg and Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Coombs was the only change to the side defeated at Notts County last week, Natasha Harding back playing in the more familiar position of left wing, Shanice Van De Sanden on the right and Sophie Ingle, Katie Zelem, Caroline Weir and Rosie White completing the side.
Zelem had scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the previous league game and picked up where she left off here, a wonderful move from Liverpool seeing them move the ball quickly up the pitch, setting the pace for what would come to be a high tempo game.
Starting with Van Den Berg at the back and ending with Harding teeing up Zelem to let fly, the long range hit giving Chelsea goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl no chance and putting Liverpool in the lead after just 57 seconds.
A bright start from Liverpool was followed by a tough 44 minutes, from the restart coming under heavy pressure and at first withstanding the full throttle Chelsea attack.
Kirby breaking into the area only to be challenged by Van Den Berg and the resulting set piece headed away by Longhurst.
The England international then chased a long ball over the top only to be thwarted by Chamberlain coming out off her line to send it into the stand.
Chelsea went back in again, and again Liverpool cleared. The ball skimming the 6-yard box dangerously close to goal, headed back across by Carney to fall at the feet at Bonner who got it away.
The defence eventually buckled, the Reds holding their lead for 8 minutes before Kirby put Carney through to round Chamberlain and slot the ball over the line.
Liverpool had chances to retake the lead. A charging run by Harding down the left wing winning a corner which fell to Ingle, her volley closed down and blocked.
Then another fast move seen several Reds shirts racing forward; Van De Sanden, White and Weir moving the ball across the pitch with ease and Weir was unlucky to watch as her superb strike was tipped over the crossbar.
Chelsea’s counter attacking football was causing the Reds trouble at the other end of the pitch and Chamberlain was thrice called upon.
The goalkeeper gathering efforts from Ji So-Yun and Carney, and also wise to a clever pass to prevent Aluko finding the run of Katie Chapman.
The game was end-to-end and Liverpool themselves almost created a chance from a counter attack. Bonner heading to Longhurst, out to Weir, onto Van De Sanden but Harding – who had gotten herself into a good position in the box – was closed down and couldn’t connect with the final ball.
Shortly after this Chelsea went ahead, Kirby’s completing a solo move after dribbling past several Red shirts to score her first goal of the afternoon.
Thereafter until the end of the first half it continued to be the Blues who looked the more threatening of the two sides and they would add 2 more goals before the break.
Kirby again the provider this time for Drew Spence to score after making a run from deep, and Aluko latching onto Carney’s through ball to make it 4.
Out for the second half, the pace of the game was maintained despite the intense heat.
Impressive Chelsea left-back Hannah Blundell finding Carney with a good delivery but she directed her header over the bar.
10 minutes in and Scott Rogers made a double substitution, Emma Lundh and Maz Pacheco coming on for Harding and Greenwood. The duo taking to the pitch as Liverpool were setting up to take a free kick won by Van De Sanden.
Weir struck the set piece sweetly with her left foot, the ball worming its way through the mass of bodies in the box to end up in the back of the net.
A minute later Lundh further reduced the deficit, Liverpool this time capitalising on Chelsea’s failure to clear their lines and the no.9 smashing the ball past Lindahl to make it 4-3 – her first league goal for the club.
The Reds now had hope, back in the game and in search of an equaliser with over half an hour still to play. Credit must be given to the side for getting themselves back in this position, with many having written them off after the first half.
Van De Sanden and Weir the stand outs, the latter at one stage displaying excellent close control to get the ball up the line to the overlapping Pacheco. Pacheco bombed on, her cross snuffed out at the edge of the box.
Another set of quick fire goals would follow, Kirby and Spence both scoring their second to re-extend the Chelsea lead.
Blundell had won the ball high up the pitch, carrying it forward and seeing her cross take a lucky deflection into the path of Kirby to score Chelsea’s 5th. Kirby made it a hat-trick of assists to set Spence up for the final goal.
From here on Liverpool had to be alert to prevent conceding another as the chances continued to flow.
Bonner cutting out a Carney cross intended for Kirby, Chamberlain reacting well to stop Chapman’s header crossing the line as the Blues captain headed Carney’s rebound off the crossbar back towards goal and substitute Ashley Hodson, who had not long replaced White, clearing off the line.
In recent days the Reds have been praised for their never-say-die spirit and this was evident here as Van De Sanden both had shots blocked from successive corners – Longhurst’s ball back in caught by the keeper.
While in injury time another blazing run by Van De Sanden had the Dutch winging finding Lundh, who tried to turn and was quickly closed down by Gilly Flaherty.
Another disappointing afternoon for Liverpool, who can perhaps take heart from the fact they are the first team to put 3 past Chelsea at home in almost 2 years. The side punished by defensive errors, which a team as good as Chelsea will use to their advantage.
LIVERPOOL LADIES: Chamberlain, Longhurst, Bonner ©, Van Den Berg, Greenwood (Pacheco), Ingle, Zelem, White (Hodson), Harding (Lundh), Weir, Van De Sanden
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Shanice Van De Sanden

REPORT: NOTTS COUNTY LADIES 3 LIVERPOOL LADIES 2

Katie Zelem’s brace almost sparked a late comeback for Liverpool Ladies away at Notts County earlier today.

County had raced into a 3-0 lead with an Ellen White double and a sublime strike from Jess Clarke. Zelem’s goals gave the Reds hope however the game finished 3-2 to the home side.
There was just one change to the side defeated midweek by Chelsea, Laura Coombs had been unable to feature against her parent club and replaced Kate Longhurst in the midfield to join Katie Zelem and Sophie Ingle.
The front three again was made up of Rosie White, Caroline Weir and Shanice Van De Sanden, while Natasha Harding, Gemma Bonner, Mandy Van Den Berg and Mayumi Pacheco completed the defence – Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
Liverpool had actually started the game the brighter of the two sides, stroking the ball around and dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes.
The Reds carved out opportunities working down both flanks, Coombs and Harding exchanging passes on the right for Coombs to find White at the edge of the box. White’s volley went inches over the crossbar.
On the left Van Den Berg played a diagonal ball into the area which was flicked on by Zelem and met by a stretching Van De Sanden, she could only tap the ball the wrong side of the post.
The game then began to turn in favour of the hosts, Liverpool unable to capitalise on their early pressure and Chamberlain sharp to be quick off her line, collecting a long ball sent over the top in search of Ellen White.
A strong header from Pacheco then stopped Jess Clarke’s cross from hitting its target.
Notts took the lead in the 12th minute when Rachel Yankey, on loan from Arsenal, squared the ball to E.White the forward making no mistakes yards out from goal.
The Reds found themselves under attack again, Clarke sending a probing ball towards E.White and Bonner seeing this out for a goal kick.
Both Clarke and Angharad James also seen efforts fly over the bar as they looked to double the lead.
Coombs was an integral part of Liverpool’s midfield over the course of the game, an excellent turn and pass set Harding down the wing to again combine with Van De Sanden – the final ball into the arms of Carly Telford.
Telford was then on hand to catch Zelem’s dangerous ball into the box that had both Weir and White on alert.
Before the Reds could get back in the game however, Notts had a second; a sublime left-footed hit from Jess Clarke curling its way past Chamberlain and into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
With half-time looming both keepers made important saves, Chamberlain diving low to her right to deny Leanne Crichton and Telford wise to Coombs’ strike following a deceiving cross by Harding.
Out for the second half Liverpool again looked to get a foothold in the game, a crunching challenge from Harding on her Wales team mate James winning the ball back. Harding was getting up and down the wing well, with most of Liverpool’s movement down the right side of the pitch.
Liverpool were handed a lifeline when Van De Sanden was brought down in the box, Weir stepping up however sending the spot kick wide.
Shortly after the missed penalty it was 3-0 to Notts, winning the ball deep in their own half and E.White pouncing to score her second on a quick counter attack.
A double substitution followed for Liverpool as Alex Greenwood returned from injury replacing Pacheco to face her former club and Emma Lundh on for R.White.
Into the final 10 minutes of the games, the Reds sparked into life.
Lundh this time fouled in the area and Zelem sending Telford the wrong way to convert from the spot, pulling a goal back.
Then another substitution made a difference, Longhurst had come on for Weir and gone to right-back with Harding moving further up and the two created plenty of space on the right.
Longhurst threaded a through ball to Zelem and the midfielder finishing well from a tight angle to give Liverpool hope.
Liverpool haven’t taken a point from Notts since Zelem scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win as the Reds were on their way to winning a second successive league title in 2014.
This would continue here despite Zelem almost completing a hat trick, meeting a Van De Sanden cross in the middle but Telford in the way this time and the Reds unable to find an equaliser, the game finishing 3-2 to Notts County.
Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Harding, Bonner (C), Van Den Berg, Pacheco (Greenwood), Zelem, Ingle, Coombs, Weir (Longhurst), White (Lundh), Van De Sanden
Player of the match: Laura Coombs

REPORT: LIVERPOOL LADIES 2 SUNDERLAND LADIES 2

LIVERPOOL LADIES were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland Ladies in Widnes.
Having raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Caroline Weir and Laura Coombs, former Everton midfielder Brooke Chaplen struck either side of half-time to give the visitors a share of the points.
There were two changes to the side that had beat Birmingham City last time out in the league, Caroline Weir and Laura Coombs in for Katie Zelem and Alex Greenwood.
Due to Greenwood missing out Natasha Harding played left-back alongside an otherwise unchanged back line of  Martha Harris, Gemma Bonner and Mandy Van Den Berg; Siobhan Chamberlain in goal. 
Sophie Ingle played ahead of the defence, Kate Longhurst and Coombs joining her in midfield behind the front three of Weir, Emma Lundh and Shanice Van De Sanden.
Sunderland made a strong start to the game, a week on from their 7-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, Beth Mead and Brooke Chaplen linking well and moving the ball with ease from one side of the pitch to the other.
Chaplen attempted to pick out Krystle Johnston on the right, Harding intercepting the pass and briefly clearing before being called upon defensively once more, this time under pressure from former FIFA Puskas Award nominee Stephanie Roche.
Again Harding managed to get the ball clear, Longhurst picking it up in the middle of the pitch and playing through her midfield partner Coombs. Coombs seeing her strike closed down at the edge of the area.
Reds no.1 Chamberlain was then called into action twice, first with a superb save to tip Mead’s dipping volley over the crossbar and then strongly holding onto Johnston’s fierce long range effort.
The game then began to tip in Liverpool’s favour. Bonner’s long ball looking for Lundh, intercepted but nicked back by Weir who shot wide.

Moments later though the Scotland international would open the scoring; Van De Sanden’s strike hit the post and fell to Weir, who tapped the ball over the line from inside the 6-yard box.
Van De Sanden was then instrumental in the Reds second goal, a wonderful move that seen Harris winning the ball deep in the Liverpool half. Harris got the ball to Weir who found Van De Sanden making a run into the box. 
Black Cats keeper Hilde Gunn Olsen came out off her line, diving for the ball only for Van De Sanden to skip past her and send a low cross towards Coombs, a neat flick from the on-loan midfielder giving Liverpool a 2-goal lead.
Sunderland pulled a goal back when Chaplen met a Kylla Sjoman free kick, heading the ball past Chamberlain.
The visitors were forced into a substitution shortly after, Sjoman requiring lengthy treatment on the pitch and being replaced by Danielle Brown.
Into the second-half, Sunderland began much the way they had the first. Chamberlain had to be quick to gather a set piece and pressure from Bonner saw Johnston fire wide.
The Reds captain then produced a stunning challenge yards from goal, denying Chaplen an equaliser – for now – and allowing Van Den Berg to clear. 
Liverpool had chances to re-extend their lead to 2 goals, Longhurst volleying over the crossbar and substitute Katie Zelem, who had not long replaced goalscorer Coombs, curled a shot towards the near post that went inches wide.
With an hour played, Sunderland grabbed their equaliser. Roche’s attempt cleared off the line by Van Den Berg but falling to Chaplen who doubled her tally for the afternoon, making it 2-2.
Last Sunday during the 4-2 friendly win in Sheffield, young winger Niamh Charles had mightily impressed and the 16-year old was handed her Liverpool debut coming on for Lundh. 
Charles was swiftly involved in the thick of the action, again looking completely unfazed by the occasion, constantly showing for the ball and sending a great cross towards Weir. Weir controlling and seeing her shot deflected out for a corner.
With full-time looming both sides went all out for the winning goal, Charles unfortunate to be unable to get a shot in while being closed down by 3 Sunderland defenders and Harris shooting wide after latching onto Weir’s rebound.  
It was Sunderland who had the game’s final chance, awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area – former Liverpool midfielder Lucy Staniforth looking to be one of the candidates to take the set piece – yet Chaplen, looking for her hat-trick, sent the ball over the crossbar and the hard-fought league tie ended 2-2.
Liverpool Ladies: Chamberlain, Harris, Bonner (C), Van Den Berg, Harding, Ingle, Coombs (Zelem), Longhurst, Weir, Van De Sanden, Lundh (Charles)
Player of the Match: Shanice Van De Sanden