Everton Ladies 0-2 LiverpoolHere's a 'slightly biased' report from the Red half of the Liv Echo ....... Everton Ladies 0-2 Liverpool Ladies: Dominant Reds see off rivals in season openerLiverpool’s experience in WSL 1 showed over their rivals
Liverpool Ladies deservedly came away from the Select Security Stadium with a 2-0 victory following a dominant display against Everton Ladies.
The Reds had to wait until the 70th minute to take the lead following a number of clear-cut chances in the Merseyside derby.
Natasha Harding’s goal came following a goal-line scramble as Liverpool were desperate to break the deadlock after a period of domination.
Niamh Charles, who came on as a second-half substitute, extended Liverpool’s lead in stoppage time to secure all three points.
Liverpool’s experience in WSL 1 showed over their rivals and the score-line could have been more despite fighting display from the hosts.
Everton named seven new signings in the squad for their return to the top flight, including five in the starting XI.
Despite the new faces, Everton were fairly cohesive in defence and produced a stalwart display in the first-half to deny their rivals.
However, they began to tire in the second-half and Liverpool took advantage as Caroline Weir, Alex Greenwood, Bethany England and Harding all had opportunities to score.
Liverpool’s England should have given the Reds the lead in the first-half but she was denied by Everton debutant Elizabeth Durack.
The Blues’ keeper produced a fine save as the Liverpool loanee pounced upon Jess Clarke’s rebound after her headed effort crashed off the cross-bar.
England’s effort was one of several chances Liverpool had to take the lead in the first-half as Weir, Laura Coombs and England were all presented clear-cut opportunities.
Scotland international Weir was a threat throughout the game as she and Harding looked to run in behind Everton’s defence.
The hosts achieved it successfully themselves on occasions and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk had one of the best chances of the first-half to break the deadlock.
The Blues’ deadline day signing broke free from Liverpool’s back four and when one-on-one with Siobhan Chamberlain, attempted an audacious lob over the keeper.
It almost paid off but Liverpool centre-back Casey Stoney was back quickly to clear the ball off the line.
Liverpool continued to attack strongly throughout the game, with most of the possession being enjoyed by England international Greenwood on the left-wing.
The full-back was the stand-out performer in the match and it was her free-kick delivery which eventually led to Liverpool’s goal after 70 minutes.
When Everton did get on the ball in midfield, it was Jodie Brett who pulled the strings and she had a chance to open the deadlock after Danielle Turner produced a wonderful cross into the box.
The Blues’ new skipper produced a solid performance on the right-hand side of Everton’s back three but was tested throughout the night as Greenwood and Weir combined well to create chances for Liverpool.
As the game went on, Liverpool pressed further up the pitch and produced more and more chances to extend their lead.
Everton possessed pace on the counter-attack still and had outlets through Sweetman-Kirk and Claudia Walker but they were limited in possession as Liverpool surrounded the ball.
One counter-attack proved dangerous and Chamberlain was forced into a save when Jodie Brett’s delivery found Walker, who was quick to step onto her right and unleash a low, curled effort.
It was one of just a few chances for Everton because all-in-all it was a dominant display from Liverpool.
Everton will look to bounce back next week when they take on Birmingham City Ladies, while Liverpool could make it two wins from two against Reading.
