Topic: Re: Liverpool Women FC (home vs Chelsea - 01/05 - 19:00 ko) (*)

[afc tukrish]

That pun was so bad it has goatieboy foaming at the mouth..........

I'll be here all week.

Abysmal puns should not appear only on threads about the men; an egalitarian approach to plays on words!!!

Or something... 

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

I didn't say it, the result speaks for itself

Soooooo, we can still blame Jim?

[kellan]

I should have posted this sooner but it completely slipped my mind because transfer deadlines are a bit of a non-event for some reason. These are all the moves as of the window closing. The window will open again mid-season (probably during the break) but we never get told the dates so I can't be exact.

Arsenal:
In: Lianne Sanderson (Boston Breakers), Jemma Rose (Bristol Academy), Natalia Pablos Sanchón [ESP] (Bristol Academy), Vicky Losada [EPS] (Barcelona)
Out: Niamh Fahey [IRL] (Chelsea), Yukari Kinga [JPN] (INAC Kobe), Shinobu Ohno [JPN] (INAC Kobe), Christie Murray [SCO] (Bristol Academy), Freda Ayisi (Birmingham)
 
Birmingham:
In: - Alex Windell (Bristol Academy), Freda Ayisi (Arsenal)
Out: - Katie Wilkinson (Aston Villa), Hannah George (Aston Vila – loan), Hannah Keryakoplis

Bristol Academy:
In: - Hayley Ladd [WAL] (Coventry City), Nadia Lawrence [WAL] (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), Sharla Passariello [WAL] (University of South Florida), Christie Murray [SCO] (Arsenal)
Out: Natasha Harding [WAL] (Washington Spirit Manchester City), Jemma Rose (Bristol Academy), Natalia Pablos Sanchón [ESP] (Bristol Academy), Laura del Río [ESP] (Washington Spirit), Alex Windell (Birmingham), Corinne Yorston (Yeovil Town), Judith Fernandez [ESP] (CE Sant Gabriel), Lauren Haynes (Aston Villa)
 
Chelsea:
In: Gemma Davison (Liverpool), Niamh Fahey [IRL] (Arsenal), Millie Bright (Doncaster), Hedvig Lindahl [SWE] (Kristianstads DFF), Marija Banušić [SWE] (Kristianstads DFF)
Out: Yuki Ogimi [JPN] (VfL Wolfsburg), Rachel Williams (Notts County), Laura Bassett (Notts County), Danielle Buet (Notts County), Emma Wilhelmsson [SWE], Christiane Endler [CHI], Rosella Ayane (Millwall – loan)
 
Everton (WSL 2):
In: Ellie Stewart (Liverpool), Danielle Young (Manchester City), Danielle Lea (Manchester City), Megan Alexander (Liverpool), Jess King (Trinity Western University), Claudia Walker (Liverpool)
Out: Amy Kane, Brooke Chaplen (Sunderland), Alex Greenwood (Notts County), Rachel Brown (Retired), Fern Whelan (Notts County), Nikita Parris (Manchester City - loan), Jody Handley (Doncaster)
 
Liverpool:
In: - Line Smorsgard [NOR] (Klepp IL), Ingrid Ryland [NOR] (Arna-Bjørnar), Satara Murray [USA] (University of North Carolina), Asisat Oshoala [NGA]
Out: Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Amanda Da Costa [USA/POR] (Washington Spirit), Gemma Davison (Chelsea), Ellie Stewart (Everton), Nina Frausing [DEN] (Turbine Potsdam), Megan Alexander (Everton), Claudia Walker (Everton)

Manchester City:
In: Lucy Bronze (Liverpool), Jennifer Beattie [SCO] (Montpellier HSC), Demi Stokes (University of South Florida), Sarah Wiltshire [WAL] (Yeovil), Nikita Parris (Everton - loan), Natasha Harding [WAL] (Bristol Academy)
Out: Betsy Hassett [NZL] (Unknown), Emma Kete [NZL] (Unknown), Danni Young (Everton), Danielle Lea (Everton)
 
Notts County:
In: - Rachel Williams (Chelsea), Laura Bassett (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Everton), Jess Sigsworth (Doncaster), Fern Whelan (Everton), Danielle Buet (Chelsea), Leanne Crichton [SCO] (Glasgow City)
Out: - Katie Holtham, Danielle Brogan [AUS] (Adelaide United), Caitlin Friend [AUS] (Melbourne Victory), Katie Hoyle [NZL] (FC Zurich), Rachel Corsie [SCO] (Seattle Reign), Emily Roberts (Doncaster – loan)

Sunderland:
In: Carlton Fairweather (Manager), Victoria Williams (Doncaster), Suzanne Mulvey [SCO] (Glasgow Rangers), Brooke Chaplen (Everton)
Out: -

[kellan]

Liverpool          1-2         Sunderland

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Birmingham Notts County

0-0  1-2

Man City Chelsea

highlights     highlights

Next Fixtures:

FA WSL

01/04/15 01/04/15 02/04/15 02/04/15

- - - -

Liverpool Sunderland Bristol Notts County

v  v v v

Birmingham      -     7.30pm Kick Off - Select Security Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ Man City Chelsea Arsenal      -     Live on BT Sport

Links:
Liverpool Ladies - twitter, facebook, youtube
FA WSL - twitter, facebook, youtube
LFCladiesfans - twitter, liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk

[kellan]

Match Preview - WSL - Liverpool vs Birmingham

Liverpool welcome Birmingham City to the Select Security Stadium in Widnes tonight (7:30pm kick off) as the Reds aim to bounce back from last week’s 2-1 defeat to Sunderland Ladies.

Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner is refusing to panic over the club’s disappointing start to the season – and is confident there’s enough quality in the Reds squad to turn things around.

The team are aiming for a third successive Women’s Super League (WSL) title but suffered an opening day league defeat to promoted Sunderland at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes last Wednesday night.

That 2-1 defeat followed the FA Cup exit in the first game of the season in a tough away fixture at Birmingham City for which there is a chance of early revenge when the Brummies arrive in Widnes on Wednesday for a league game kicking off at 7.30pm.

Despite two consecutive defeats, Bonner says the team are still feeling upbeat: “We were all disappointed with the first two results but there’s still a positive feeling in the camp.

“We know we’re not performing to the level we can at the moment but we know we’ve got the quality in the squad.

“We’ve had four new players coming into the team and we lost quite a few experienced players. We’ve got quite a young team and it’s a matter of taking time for them to settle in.”

Birmingham arrive after an opening day draw with Manchester City, a team who have spent big in the off-season including buying Liverpool’s own influential defender Lucy Bronze.

"We know Birmingham very well, just as they know us,” said Bonner. “Their side has been together for a long time, they know each other well and it really helps them. In the FA Cup it didn’t happen and we didn’t perform on the day. We’ve got every chance to put that right.

“We’ve had a good week of training and we’re looking forward to the game.

“There’s only one game gone in the (league) season. We’ve got to learn from the two games we’ve played and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“But there’s no need to panic, it’s going to be a long season. There were lots of upsets last year and it’s going to be the same this time round.”

View from the opposition

After the recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool 24-year-old midfielder Remi Allen believes they can exact revenge on the Reds once again.

“We put our complete focus on the FA Cup game in the run up, but at the end of 90 minutes we immediately switched our preparation to the league campaign and we will be ready for Liverpool,” said Allen, whose team began their new season with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

“They’re a great side. You only need to look at the results of the last the few years to see what they can do and what they’ve done.

“But we know we’re a good side and we’ve got some good players, so there’s no reason why we can’t beat them.”

One player who Birmingham hope will make all the difference is striker Karen Carney.

The England star became the first player inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in the close season and Allen says she serves as an inspiration to the rest of the girls in the dressing room.

“I was so happy when Karen was put in the Hall of Fame, she’s so crucial to the team,” added Allen.

“If you look at what she’s done here and at England, her contribution has been massive and she’s such an important player for us.” - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

Select Security Stadium/Halton Stadium
Lowerhouse Lane
Widnes
WA8 7DZ

Adults: £5.00
Children/Concessions: £2.50
Seasons Tickets. Free entry for men's team season ticket holders.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.liverpoolfc.com/ladiestickets or at the turnstiles on match day.

[kellan]

 5 live sports extra commentary: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/31981524

[Lady_brandybuck]

Well done ladies for the victory. Onwards and upwards!

[kellan]

Liverpool 2 - 1 Birmingham City - WSL



Asisat Oshoala scored a sublime first goal in a red shirt as she inspired Liverpool to their first win of the season, after a 2-1 victory over Birmingham at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Wednesday night.

It was Matt Beard's side first win of the season and the defending Women's Super League champions bounced back to form in style.

After two back-to-back defeats Beard insisted it was only a matter of time before his side found their true identity once again, and with new signing Oshoala in inspirational form it was a fine victory against a Birmingham side who had beaten the Reds in their opening game of the season in the FA Cup.

Oshoala netted the opening goal in first-half stoppage time with a sweet volley and then provided the assist for Fara Williams to seal the three points.

Going into the game Beard made three changes to his side following the 2-1 defeat by Sunderland last week. The boss handed a first start in the WSL to close season recruit Line Smorsgard, and there were recalls for Becky Easton and Kate Longhurst.

The away side made a bright start and in the opening minute Emily Westwood found herself running clear on goal, but Satara Murray showed just why she will be an astute capture by Beard this season when she quickly closed down the space and blocked out the striker.

Then at the other end Oshoala found space just outside the box but her resulting effort was well held by Becky Spencer.

On 13 minutes a superb pass from Longhurst released Smorsgard in space, but instead of hitting the ball first time towards goal, the No.10 was caught in two minds and was closed down.

Oshoala was having a very influential game in the middle of the park and one superb run saw her glide past three defenders before being taken down just outside the box. From the resulting free-kick Williams curled the effort just wide.

On 18 minutes a superb ball over the top from Natasha Dowie released Oshoala who unselfishly tried to lay the ball across goal to the unmarked Smorsgard, but unfortunately the pass carried too much weight on it as it sailed wide of the target.

Beard's side were playing some excellent football but just couldn't find that breakthrough to make their pressure count and there was always the danger of Birmingham on the counter attack.

One such break down the right from Alex Windell almost produced a goal. Her cross fell invitingly to Remi Allen, but off balance the No.8 could only fire high and wide.

There was some concern for Easton when the Liverpool defender took a nasty fall following a challenge, but after treatment thankfully she was able to continue.

On 31 minutes Liverpool had the ball in the net but Longhurst's joy turned to despair when Oshoala was penalised for pushing in the penalty area.

Three minutes later a superb run down the right from Martha Harris found Dowie whose right wing cross flew just past the upright, and Oshoala was just off target with a superb effort that flashed just past the post.

In first half stoppage time came the breakthrough. A superb cross from Gemma Bonner from the right found Oshoala who found the net with a sweet volley. No more than Beard's charges deserved.

Just past the hour mark Birmingham had a glorious chance when Melissa Lawley's cross fell invitingly for Westwood who took her eye off the ball at the vital time and narrowly missed the ball.

The heavy rain wasn't making conditions ideal to say the least, but Beard's side got the vital second goal they deserved on 70 minutes when Williams converted after a superb run and cross down the right from Oshoala.

With nine minutes remaining the away side got a lifeline when a mix-up in the defence allowed Aoife Mannion to step in and give themselves hope.

However, Beard's side held out for the victory as the defending champions showed they will not be giving up their title without a fight.

The game ended with Longhurst being carried off on a stretcher after a challenge from Allen that earned the Birmingham player a booking. - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool XI: Libby Stout, Martha Harris, Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner, Satara Murray, Corina Schroder, Fara Williams, Kate Longhurst (Hannah Dale 90), Asisat Oshoala (Lucy Staniforth 89), Line Smorsgard (Nicole Rolser 68), Natasha Dowie. Unused subs: Rachel Darbyshire, Ingrid Ryland, Beth Donoghue, Maz Pacheco.

[kellan]

[kellan]

Liverpool          2 - 1         Birmingham

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/E9sZK-HoGXg&amp;?fs=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/E9sZK-HoGXg&amp;?fs=1</a>

Sunderland  Notts County  Bristol

0-1  1-1 0-4

Man City Arsenal Chelsea

highlights     highlights     highlights

Next Fixtures:

FA Cup Quarterfinals - 12/04/15 -  Man City vs Birmingham, Notts County vs Aston Villa, Arsenal vs Chelsea

FA WSL

15/04/14 18/04/15 19/04/15 19/04/15 19/04/15

- - - - -

Arsenal Sunderland Chelsea Birmingham  Man City

v v v  v v

Bristol Bristol Liverpool      -     2pm Kick Off - Staines Town FC (Wheatsheaf Park), Widnes, TW18 2PD Notts County Arsenal

Links:
Liverpool Ladies - twitter, facebook, youtube
FA WSL - twitter, facebook, youtube
LFCladiesfans - twitter, liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk

[Bobinhood]

Wow  must say watched the lfctv highlights and now these thank you and that Oshoala sure catches the eye. The pace, the power. The touch on that goal was just sublime. The assist was a comprehensive destruction of the defender.

My first, first impression the first couple of times i saw her on the ball was that she was pretty raw, but then she turned on the jets a couple of times and raw didnt seem to matter all that much. Then she pulled that touch for the goal and maybe raw isnt even real maybe raw is just butterflies.

Now i read shes very young and kinda new in town after sweeping a continent before her. When she settles in that looks some kind of a player.

[LFCladiesfans]

Yeah the thing with both Oshoala and Satara Murray is that this is their first taste of 'proper' competitive football in a league, both young and a long way from home. I think the pair of them can only get better!

I've teamed up with The Anfield Wrap to provide a monthly show on LFC Ladies, the first one features an interview with Danielle Gibbons and you can listen to it here: http://www.theanfieldwrap.com/2015/04/taw-player-the-champions/ I really enjoyed recording it with Neil and Gareth, hope you like it!

[kellan]

Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool - WSL - 19/04/15



Eniola Aluko’s second half strike maintained Chelsea’s 100 per cent start to the FA WSL 1 season against champions Liverpool at Wheatsheaf Park.

The England international fired the league leaders ahead ten minutes after the break to secure victory, in the Blues’ first home league game of the season.

Liverpool were awarded a penalty 20 minutes from time, but England international Fara Williams missed the target.

Emma Hayes’ charges have now won all three of their games, while Matt Beard’s side slip to their second defeat of the campaign.

In the first meeting of last season’s top-two teams, the Blues threatened early on but Libby Stout denied Ji So-Yun.

Liverpool hit back and Natasha Dowie almost broke clear on 29 minutes, before Asisat Oshoala fired wide from distance.

Chelsea started the second half on top and went ahead on 55 minutes thanks to Aluko. The England international raced onto Laura Coombs’ lofted pass and lifted the ball over the on-rushing Stout.

Liverpool had an opporunity to level instantly but Oshoala blazed over from inside the box.

Williams then missed a glorious opportunity when the referee pointed to the spot after Aluko handled the ball. The Reds vice captain sent Hedvig Lindahl the wrong way but missed the target as Chelsea held on.

Liverpool Ladies: Libby Stout, Martha Harris, Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner, Satara Murray, Corina Schroder (Ingrid Ryland 74), Fara Williams, Asisat Oshoala, Kate Longhurst (Katie Zelem 81), Line Smorsgard (Lucy Staniforth 74), Natasha Dowie. - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

LFCladiesfans match report: http://liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/match-report-chelsea-ladies-1-0.html?spref=tw

[kellan]

Chelsea          1 - 0         Liverpool

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Arsenal Sunderland    Birmingham Man City

2-0    2-1 0-0 0-1

Bristol Bristol Notts County Arsenal

highlights     highlights     highlights     highlights

FA WSL

25/05/14 26/05/14 26/05/14 26/05/14

- - - -

Bristol Liverpool Arsenal Birmingham

v v  v v

Notts County Man City      -     6pm Kick Off - Select Security Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ Sunderland Chelsea

Links:
Liverpool Ladies - twitter, facebook, youtube
FA WSL - twitter, facebook, youtube
LFCladiesfans - twitter, liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk

[kellan]

Liverpool vs Manchester City - WSL - 26/04 - Match Preview

Liverpool face Manchester City tonight (Sunday 26th April - 6pm) as the Reds aim to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea by picking up their second FAWSL league victory of the season.

Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner believes that Nick Cushing's side will provide a tough test but the Reds must now prove why they have won back-to-back titles.

The Reds currently sit fifth in the table, a position they have rarely experienced over the past two years.

Next up are Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium and the Liverpool defender is eager for the hosts to start playing like champions.

“Manchester City have made some brilliant signings as well so we’ll need to be at the top of our game against them.

“I don’t think we’ve put any extra pressure on ourselves, I think it’s just the pressure that comes from having the tag of champions.

“Everyone plays us and wants to beat us but that’s normal when you win the league two seasons in a row.

“But I think the Birmingham victory showed that it’s starting to come together for us as a team.”

View from the opposition

Manchester City have got off to a mixed start this season, picking up four points from their opening three games and this fixture provides them with an opportunity to test their mettle against some of the best players in the league.

However, manager Nick Cushing knows it is a big ask for his players to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal with a win against the back-to-back champions.

“We’re obviously disappointed to have lost last time out against Arsenal but you don’t have much time to dwell on games,” he said.

“So the defeat to Arsenal will be put to the back of our minds and we’ll just focus on the next game, which will be very tough.

“Liverpool are the champions, not just that but they’ve won WSL 1 for the past two seasons so we know they are a quality side.

“They have built well this season, like us, and I’m sure they have expectations to be challenging for the title again.

“Our objectives never change, we want to continue to improve and I think we are in terms of the performances we are putting in.” - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool Ladies in 'a good place' ahead of huge home clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard believes his team are “in a good place” ahead of a significant Women’s Super League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

While most eyes were on Wembley last Sunday as their male counterparts crashed out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage, the current WSL champions were producing what their manager describes as “probably our best performance for a couple of years” against Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Liverpool Ladies it was in a losing cause as Chelsea pinched the points 1-0 and now sit astride the WSL table with nine points from three games with Liverpool back in fifth on three. Fara Williams missed a penalty for Liverpol.

Beard told the ECHO: “It was disappointing. If you don’t take your chances it will happen at this level. They took one of their two chances but didn’t really create anything else and that’s testament to how hard we worked and defended in the game. The performance level in the last two games has been very good (a 2-1 win over Birmingham before that).”

The departure of several senior players and injuries to others has made it difficult for Beard as Liverpool seek a third straight WSL title with Sundays opponents Manchester City and Chelsea both investing significantly in their squads.

Liverpool have added some youthful new signings and Beard feels the return of some key players from injury will have a really positive impact on the team.

“We’ve got (midfielders) Nicole Rolser and Katrin Omarsdottir back now and we’re starting to create more chances. Our options up front have been a bit limited but we’re starting to get everyone back now. There’s just two games left now until July and we’ve sat down as a group and targeted four points out of those going into the break (for the Women’s World Cup).

“I’ve always said as long as go into the break involved I’ve got every confidence we’ll be strong later in the year.

“All the young players are getting there. I’m pleased with them. I’m not concerned with young players making mistakes as long as they learn from them. If you look at Satara Murray she’s forming a good partnership with Gemma Bonner at the back now.”

After Sunday’s game against Man City at Halton’s Select Security Stadium and a May 10 away trip to Notts County, Liverpool Ladies will not play for another two months as the teams take a break for that World Cup in Canada will several Liverpool players expected to be taking part.

Beard is expecting the rest of the season to bring plenty of surprises.

“There’s going to be lots of twists and turns. As the season goes on people will be taking points off each other. Chelsea have made a good start but they have traditionally struggled against some of the more physical sides. It’s not an easy league. With the exception of Bristol everyone is full time now. Birmingham train every evening so they have full time contact with their players too.

“But we’re in a good place. if you look at the performances, we didn’t play badly against Sunderland, we fully deserved the win against Birmingham and then we deserved the three points against Chelsea. We’re playing well and the intensity of our press is tribute to that.”

Beard is hoping it is “a good time to play City” with England international Jill Scott missing after headbutting another player last week and the likes of Lucy Bronze (recruited from LFC in the summer) just coming back from injury.

“City are a very organised team with good players. Jill Scott is a key player for them. She starts a lot of their passing and with her height is a danger at set plays so I hope it’s a good time to play them.” - liverpoolecho.co.uk

In her latest column, Liverpool Ladies captain Gemma Bonner looks ahead to Sunday's home clash with Manchester City and tells us why the supporters have a key role to play.

While we were disappointed to lose 1-0 away at Chelsea last Sunday we've got to be pleased with the performance we put in. We know we didn't get the result we wanted or deserved, but at the top level it's a fine margin between winning and losing games. They had one real chance and it proved to be the difference between the two sides on the day. A lot was made of Fara Williams missing a penalty for us to equalise but both myself and the team have every confidence in Fara stepping up to take the next penalty.

We had several opportunities during the game but we weren't clinical enough which ultimately cost us. However we have to take the positives from a good team performance and the chances that we created against a strong Chelsea side. The performances that we were putting in at the beginning of the season we weren't too happy with, but now that the performances are there, that's a massive plus for us and I'm confident that the results will come if we perform to those standards each week.

We now look forward to a home game when we host Manchester City at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Sunday in front of the live BT Sport television cameras. Obviously City have made a lot of signings during the close season and we will come up against Lucy Bronze who was a brilliant player for us during the two years that she was with us. We all wish her well at City, except on Sunday! They have gone from strength to strength and have several attacking options now as well as a strong defensive unit so we are expecting a tough game. Like ourselves City are coming into this game on the back of a defeat. They are missing a few players but so are we, and it will be an exciting encounter and one we are looking forward to.

I have every confidence in the team and as a group we are eager to perform after we let ourselves down in our last live TV game against Sunderland earlier this season. It is a great opportunity for us to put on a good show playing at home and having our fantastic supporters behind us. They travelled to Chelsea with us in their numbers on Sunday and to have such a following like that, especially when the first-team were playing at Wembley, that was amazing and it's something we really appreciate. - liverpoolfc.com

[KiNki]

1 nil liverpool ladies.  Tis on the telly.  Pretty even half.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

2-1 to LFC, City been the better team for me but we've taken our chances better.

[Lady_brandybuck]

1 nil liverpool ladies.  Tis on the telly.  Pretty even half.

I mistakenly read this a tits on the telly...

Anyway, Well done ladies!!!

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

Better performance this half. And good to see Katrin and Rolser back.

[Mutton Geoff]

positives are no diving, respect for the ref  and we are winning.

[KiNki]

Well done ladies.

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆]

Good result after a poor first half, much improved.

[kellan]

Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester City - WSL



Line Smorsgard fired her first goal in a red shirt as Liverpool Ladies produced a superb performance to beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes on Sunday evening.

The Norwegian forward got her head to an Asisat Oshoala cross to seal a fine victory for Matt Beard's side.

After her nomination for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award, Oshoala had an inspired game as besides the assist she netted the opening goal.

Following last week's rather unjust defeat by Chelsea, Beard's side showed they are not ready to give up their Women's Super League title without a real fight.

Before kick-off the teams observed a minute's silence to mark the forthcoming 30th anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster.

Beard welcomed Icelandic midfielder Katrin Omarsdottir back to his squad for the first time this season after injury as she started on the bench, while former Red Lucy Bronze was in the City team.

The away side made a bright start, with the pace of Nikita Parris causing danger. A foul on the on-loan Everton forward on three minutes resulted in a free-kick, but Jennifer Beattie's fierce 22-yard drive was well held by Libby Stout.

Liverpool then began to find their stride, with Oshoala a real threat on the counter-attack.

On nine minutes Fara Williams delivered a superb ball into the box from the right but, with no red shirt able to make a telling contact, it was deflected just wide for the corner which produced the opening goal.

Williams curled in the ball from the left flank and after a goalmouth scramble Oshoala pounced to score.

With captain Gemma Bonner and Satara Murray rock-solid at the back and the assurance of Becky Easton playing just in front of the backline, Liverpool did well to contain City's counter-attacks.

The away side had a decent chance on the half-hour mark but England forward Toni Duggan fired wide from the edge of the penalty area.

City drew level after 53 minutes. Isobel Christiansen's right-wing free-kick found the head of Parris, who powered the ball beyond the reach of Stout into the bottom corner of the net.

A minute later the away side should have scored again but Christiansen blazed over the bar when the ball fell kindly to her on the edge of the penalty area.

However, Beard's side roared straight back into the lead on 57 minutes when Oshoala's pinpoint cross from the right flank found Smorsgard to head home her first goal in a red shirt to make it 2-1.

There was a blow for the hosts on the hour when influential German left-back Corina Schroder picked up a knock and was replaced by Ingrid Ryland.

Smorsgard was now full of confidence after her goal and, on 63 minutes, Liverpool nearly scored what would have been a goal to remember. Smorsgard found Williams, who played a superb one-two with Oshoala, but the England midfielder's effort went straight into the arms of Alex Brooks.

Shortly after, the Reds went so close again. Williams' free-kick was fumbled by Brooks, who then produced a brilliant double stop to deny Natasha Dowie and Oshoala.

With Williams, Easton and Oshola on the top of their game and Bonner truly inspirational at the back, Liverpool continued to create good chances as they looked for a third goal to secure the points.

A superb run down the right from Martha Harris saw her telling cross find Smorsgard at the back post, but the No.10 fired just off-target.

Dowie then charged down a clearance and set off towards goal, but as the No.9 cut inside her shot was well held by Brooks.

Parris missed a great late chance for City when she ran clear but could only strike wide of the goal.

The final whistle confirmed a big win for the Ladies and one that was thoroughly deserved. - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool Ladies: Libby Stout, Martha Harris, Corina Schroder (Ingrid Ryland 60), Gemma Bonner, Satara Murray, Becky Easton, Fara Williams, Asisat Oshoala, Kate Longhurst (Katrin Omarsdottir 81), Line Smorsgard (Nicole Rolser 77), Natasha Dowie.

Subs not used: Danielle Gibbons, Katie Zelem.

[kellan]

Liverpool          2 - 1         Manchester City

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ng-NxL_U7iA&amp;?fs=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/Ng-NxL_U7iA&amp;?fs=1</a>

Bristol Arsenal Birmingham

2-5  4-1 0-1

Notts County Sunderland Chelsea

highlights     highlights     highlights

FA WSL

29/04/15 29/04/15 30/04/15 09/05/15 09/05/15 10/05/15 10/05/15

- - - - - - -

Notts County  Birmingham Chelsea Bristol Sunderland Notts County Man City

v  v v v v v v

Sunderland Bristol Arsenal Arsenal Birmingham Liverpool      -     5pm Kick Off - Meadow Lane, Nottingham NG2 3HJ Chelsea

FA Cup Semi Finals

03/05/15 04/05/15

- -

Everton Man City

v  v

Notts County Chelsea

Links:
Liverpool Ladies - twitter, facebook, youtube
FA WSL - twitter, facebook, youtube
LFCladiesfans - twitter, liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk

[kellan]

Oshoala nominated for BBC Women's Player of the Year



Liverpool Ladies star Asisat Oshoala has been nominated for a prestigious award and you can help shape the vote.

BBC World Service has announced the shortlist for the inaugural BBC Women's Footballer of the Year accolade and the poll is now open.

The five shortlisted contenders are Veronica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt), Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg), Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC), Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard) and Oshoala (Nigeria and Liverpool).

Fans can vote online and using their mobile phone or handheld device. Voting is also available by SMS. Click here to vote and for more details.

The poll will close on Monday May 11 at 10am BST and the winner of the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2015 will be revealed on BBC World Service on Tuesday May 26.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of experts including administrators, journalists, coaches and former players.

Reflecting on her nomination, Oshoala said: "I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be nominated and I feel very appreciated.

"This award is a very good thing for women's football. It can really help us by encouraging other countries to support their ladies more and treat them the same way they treat the men.

"A lot of people tried to discourage me but I never let that bother me - I did what I want to do."

[24/7]

Sign her!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32607047

[Lady_brandybuck]

Sign her!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32607047

Whaaaaaat...!!!

[kellan]

Notts County          1 - 0         Liverpool

Notts County  Birmingham Chelsea Bristol Sunderland Man City

4-2  0-0 0-0 1-1 3-0 1-1

Sunderland Bristol Arsenal Arsenal Birmingham Chelsea

Next Fixtures:

*World Cup Break* - League returns 12 July

Links:
Liverpool Ladies - twitter, facebook, youtube
FA WSL - twitter, facebook, youtube
LFCladiesfans - twitter, liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk

[kellan]

England World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal), Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Carly Telford (Notts County)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Laura Bassett (Notts County), Alex Greenwood (Notts County), Claire Rafferty (Chelsea), Casey Stoney (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Fara Williams (Liverpool), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Jade Moore (Birmingham), Karen Carney (Birmingham), Jo Potter (Birmingham), Katie Chapman (Chelsea)

Forwards: Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Eni Aluko (Chelsea), Lianne Sanderson (Arsenal), Jodie Taylor (Portland Thorns), Fran Kirby (Reading), Ellen White (Notts County)

[Lady_brandybuck]

England World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal), Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Carly Telford (Notts County)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Laura Bassett (Notts County), Alex Greenwood (Notts County), Claire Rafferty (Chelsea), Casey Stoney (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Fara Williams (Liverpool), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Jade Moore (Birmingham), Karen Carney (Birmingham), Jo Potter (Birmingham), Katie Chapman (Chelsea)

Forwards: Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Eni Aluko (Chelsea), Lianne Sanderson (Arsenal), Jodie Taylor (Portland Thorns), Fran Kirby (Reading), Ellen White (Notts County)

Why is not Dowie in the team?

[24/7]

Why is not Dowie in the team?

Why do the reigning champions 2 years running only have 1 player in the the entire squad?! As usual, I  am gender neutral on the issue of being Scouse not fucking English

[kellan]

Why is not Dowie in the team?

Some people would answer this question by saying her form hasn't warranted a call up. In terms of goals scored they probably do have an argument when comparing her to some. But that argument falls apart completely once you then realise form is absolutely not a factor for Sampson, no matter how many times he drops sound bites to the contrary. This squad contains numerous players who are returning from injury and who probably haven't played more than three or four full games since the turn of the year. This squad does not contain numerous genuinely in form players. There are some in the squad whose stats are no better than Dowie's. So put it all together and I don't accept form as the explanation for her absence.

The real answer is related more to him being the type of manager who favours a set system and who loads his squads with players who are the same type so he is never forced to deviate too far from what he likes. Dowie is basically a Plan B option. When it comes to playing style she is the best England have at playing the way she does. But Sampson doesn't want to play the way she does and nor is he the kind of manager who favours variety to cover all bases. So in his eyes there is basically no need for her.

As for Bonner's absence - he doesn't know what a centrehalf is.

[24/7]

Why do the reigning champions 2 years running only have 1 player in the the entire squad?! As usual, I  am gender neutral on the issue of being Scouse not fucking English

I guess you read kellan's answer to Lady-B's question as the answer to my question too? Sampson.

[Lady_brandybuck]

Some people would answer this question by saying her form hasn't warranted a call up. In terms of goals scored they probably do have an argument when comparing her to some. But that argument falls apart completely once you then realise form is absolutely not a factor for Sampson, no matter how many times he drops sound bites to the contrary. This squad contains numerous players who are returning from injury and who probably haven't played more than three or four full games since the turn of the year. This squad does not contain numerous genuinely in form players. There are some in the squad whose stats are no better than Dowie's. So put it all together and I don't accept form as the explanation for her absence.

The real answer is related more to him being the type of manager who favours a set system and who loads his squads with players who are the same type so he is never forced to deviate too far from what he likes. Dowie is basically a Plan B option. When it comes to playing style she is the best England have at playing the way she does. But Sampson doesn't want to play the way she does and nor is he the kind of manager who favours variety to cover all bases. So in his eyes there is basically no need for her.

As for Bonner's absence - he doesn't know what a centrehalf is.

I was going to ask about Bonner as well. I mean Bronze is on the team and she played with Bonner last season.

So I guess England won't do much in the WC?

[kellan]

I was going to ask about Bonner as well. I mean Bronze is on the team and she played with Bonner last season.

He has basically got Bronze doing Bonner's job. He immediately settled on a CB pairing of Steph Houghton and Bronze. One player who at the time the pairing was chosen had only played a handful of games at CB and one player who is a fullback. I think you have to go all the way to something like 5th or 6th choice in the pecking order to find what you could consider an out-and-out never plays anywhere else centre-half. It's odd to say the least.

So I guess England won't do much in the WC?

I'm not expecting them to, no. It'll probably be the standard English tournament story. I haven't seen much from Sampson to suggest he has it in him to take the team to a level above the norm. I really wish that wasn't the case because I desperately wanted the manager change to make it possible for me to start properly caring, but truth be told I'm finding the whole thing just as uninspiring and problematic as I did when Powell was still in charge. In some respects it's actually worse.

Oshoala is in the Nigeria squad. I might just root for them instead.

[kellan]

Liverpool Ladies manager Matt Beard has spoken of his delight after Liverpool Ladies’ Development Squad wrapped up the Northern Division league title on Thursday evening.



Following an emphatic 4-1 victory away to Everton Ladies Development Squad, Beard has praised the coaches and players associated with Matty Campbell’s side.

He said: “First and foremost I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the Development Squad as this is a fantastic achievement.

"A special mention must go to Matty Campbell, Vicky Jepson and Jennifer Herst who have put a lot of time and effort into developing the players at Liverpool.

"Their commitment and passion is a credit to the game and they have all played a crucial role in the title success.

"I would also like to mention Scott Rogers who has played a key role in nurturing the players and assisting them with their transition to the first team setup.

The Reds manager commented: "Finally, the players involved with the Development Squad deserve enormous credit for their efforts this season.

"At times we have used a couple of first team players to help build up their fitness in the Development Squad but the youngsters have not let this affect their own individual performances and they have stayed united.

"When you have a number of players such as Rachel Darbyshire, Mollie Green and Maz Pacheco consistently training with the first team or being involved on a matchday, it gives the whole Club a real sense of achievement.

“I think that the amount of youngsters who have been involved with the first team this year highlights that if you are good enough then you will get an opportunity no matter that age you are,” Beard added.

“The aim of the Club is to develop as much home-grown talent as possible, so this title success is absolutely fantastic for everyone involved with Liverpool Ladies Football Club.” - ladies.liverpoolfc.com

@LFCLADIESFANS match report: http://liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/match-report-everton-ladies-1-4.html

[Lady_brandybuck]

@LFCLADIESFANS match report: http://liverpoolladiesfans.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/match-report-everton-ladies-1-4.html

Well done young ladies!!!

[Bobinhood]

Scored a couple of tickets today for Germany -Norway and then a 1/8 final that could possibly have England in it for the WWC this summer. Ottawa.

Nice.

[PhaseOfPlay]

Scored a couple of tickets today for Germany -Norway and then a 1/8 final that could possibly have England in it for the WWC this summer. Ottawa.

Nice.

Might be a wasted trip

Germany-Norway will be good though

[24/7]

LFC's Oshoala voted WINNER of the first BBC Women's Footballer of the Year!!!!!

Headline news on the sport show for BBC World News. What a nice piece of news to wake up to

BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award: Asisat Oshoala wins

Nigeria and Liverpool forward Asisat Oshoala has been named as the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.

The 20-year-old forward is the first player to win the new award from the BBC World Service, voted for by football fans around the world.

She beat Spain's Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour.

"I would like to say thank you to the BBC, to my fans around the world and to everyone who voted," she said.

The award is the first of its kind hosted by a global broadcaster.

Oshoala, who was the youngest player to be shortlisted, was the leading scorer at the Under-20s World Cup in Canada last summer and was voted the tournament's best player.

Her performances led Nigeria to the final, where they were narrowly beaten by Germany, and she was also a major influence in the senior Nigeria team who won the African Women's Championship in October.

That ensured their qualification for this summer's World Cup in Canada,  which begins on 6 June with full coverage on the BBC.

Oshoala said the honour was a big lift for Nigeria before the World Cup and would help inspire young players in her homeland.

"It's a really good thing for us as a team because we now know that we have something great and now we want to go at the trophy," she said. "We can do it, we did it in 2014 we can also do it this year as well.

"There is going to be a lot of motivation for women's football in Nigeria now because of this award because there are a lot of fans out there.

"Support for women's football in Nigeria is now growing very high.

"I know my Liverpool Ladies coach is going to be happy right now. Before I left the UK he called me and said to me 'don't worry I hope you win the award and we're going to celebrate it when you come back'."

Oshoala signed for Liverpool Ladies in January 2015, becoming the first African to feature in the Women's Super League, with manager Matt Beard calling her "one of the world's top young footballers".

Mary Hockaday, controller of BBC World Service English, paid tribute to Oshoala.

"At still only 20, she's proved herself a formidable talent on the pitch," she said. "I'm proud BBC World Service is supporting the women's game and thrilled with the interest in the award."

Shortlist for award
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Liverpool; Veronica Boquete (Spain & FFC Frankfurt); Nadine Kessler (Germany & VFL Wolfsburg); Kim Little (Scotland & Seattle Reign FC) and Marta (Brazil & FC Rosengard)

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/womens/