Match reportLFC Women U21s complete double with County FA Senior Cup success

First-half goals from Neve McDonald and Maddy Duffy on Thursday night ensured the Reds retained the silverware they also won last year, despite a response before the break from Meg Boydell.

The success saw Simon O’Neill’s team add the Senior Cup to the Women’s Pro Game Academy Second Division title clinched last month by the AXA Melwood Training Centre-based squad.

Liverpool started much the stronger on a beautiful evening at Walton Hall Park and just eight minutes were on the clock when striker Libby Bermingham collected a lovely pass, turned and fired a low shot that produced a good save from Cadi Doran to her right.

Two minutes later, McDonald intercepted a pass out from Doran – who is co-registered with the Reds – took a touch and blasted a shot at goal from which the goalkeeper atoned for her error with a fine stop.

Maddie Robinson kept Doran busy with a free-kick from distance as Liverpool continued to force all the early pace, and it was no surprise when the holders went in front after a quality team move.

On 21 minutes, Bermingham fed a ball out to Robinson on the right and her clever low cross eluded the Feds defence before McDonald dispatched it into the back of the net.

After a free-kick from Boydell drifted narrowly over the bar, McDonald warmed Doran’s hands with a shot from distance and then sent the ’keeper full length to her right to tip a better effort just round the post.

The respite was brief, however. A short routine from the resulting corner ended with Duffy drilling a low left-footed shot into the corner just before the half-hour mark for a two-goal lead.

It looked a long way back for Feds but they were handed a lifeline in bizarre circumstances just three minutes later.

A free-kick from Boydell from fully 40 yards was misjudged by Eva Spencer, who could only watch helplessly as the ball bounced over her head and into the net.

The goal changed the momentum of the game and the last 15 minutes of the half were marked by a series of dangerous set-pieces from Feds. Courtney Willis headed wide from two of those as the Premier League North side cranked up the pressure.

O’Neill’s charges needed half-time and reached it just about unscathed, Feds captain Chantelle Thompson heading over from yet another free-kick with the last action of the first period.

Liverpool regained their composure in the break and produced a lovely move to almost stretch their lead five minutes into the second half. Holly Tickle sent a pass down the left wing to Bo Price and her precise through ball found McDonald but Doran was out quickly to smother.

Then, good work from Fi Wilby eventually reached McDonald in the box. She stepped inside the defender and her centre was tucked into the net by Duffy, but the offside flag cut celebrations short.

Next it was the crossbar to deny the Reds, Bermingham’s terrific effort from outside the box rattling the woodwork with the goalkeeper beaten.

Feds remained a threat, though their first real chance of the half came completely out of the blue. A clearance reached Chelsea Jukes well away from goal and her stunning shot curled away from Spencer and hit the upright, with Thompson firing the rebound just wide.

Wilby started an excellent break for the Reds that allowed McDonald and Duffy to combine and put Bermingham in on goal, but her finish was blocked by a last-ditch tackle.

It was end to end now, Olivia Francis clipping the crossbar for Feds and McDonald shooting over for Liverpool after Robinson’s ball was met by the advancing Doran.

A lengthy spell of stoppage time preceded the final whistle, which brought scenes of jubilation for the Reds as the bench emptied onto the pitch to celebrate a second trophy of a highly successful season.

Liverpool: Spencer, B. Price (McBeth, 76), Tickle, Roldann, C. Price (McHugh, 85), Robinson, Wilby, Duffy, Maddocks, Bermingham (O’Connor, 90+5), McDonald.

Unused subs: Andrews, Newall.