Ladies draw Chelsea blank
Defending Women's Super League Champions Liverpool Ladies had to settle for a point as they were held to a goalless draw away at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
After their opening 1-0 win over Manchester City, hopes were high that Matt Beard's charges could get another three points, but in a game of great chances at both ends of the field, the Reds had to settle for a point in a lively encounter at Staines Town FC.
The Reds made a lively start and almost found an early goal when the unlucky Gemma Davison fired in a shot that hit the post and stayed out.
Icelandic midfielder Katrin Omarsdottir then went close with two close range efforts, and then came a moment of controversy when Kate Longhurst ran clear and went down just outside the box under a strong challenge. Despite the Liverpool protests no foul was given as the referee waved play on.
Unfortunately for Beard's charges Longhurst couldn't continue and had to replaced by Ashley Hodson.
In the second half, Beard had to make a further enforced change when goalkeeper Libby Stout picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Danielle Gibbons.
Davison had a great chance to score after a flowing move involving Hodson and Fara Williams, but the former Arsenal star fired wide under pressure.
Chelsea were later reduced to 10 players when they had Ji So-Yun sent-off for a second bookable offence, and Liverpool almost clinched a dramatic late winner when Davison fired a brilliant 25-yard drive just wide.
Liverpool Ladies team: Libby Stout (Danielle Gibbons), Becky Easton, Corina Schroder (Martha Harris), Fara Williams, Gemma Bonner, Lucy Bronze, Katrin Omarsdottir, Amanda Da Costa, Natasha Dowie, Gemma Davison, Kate Longhurst (Ashley Hodson).
Beard's side are back in action next Saturday evening when they host neighbours Everton in the Women's FA Cup quarter-final at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes, at 7pm BST.
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