Match reportStoppage-time goal gives LFC Women 4-3 win at Birmingham in Subway Players Cup

Marie Höbinger gave the Reds an early lead at St Andrew’s but efforts from Marie Levasseur and Lee Geum-min either side of half-time saw the hosts go 2-1 up.

Neve McDonald’s first goal at senior level and another hit from Höbinger turned the game around again, only for Birmingham to level with Wilma Leidhammar’s 76th-minute strike.

However, there was stoppage-time drama as substitute Ramos converted off a corner to secure the points for Gareth Taylor’s side.

Höbinger, captain for the night, also netted twice in the opening victory over Sunderland and continued her scoring form in the competition four minutes into this one.

Fuka Nagano’s press earned possession back for Liverpool and, receiving a pass from Aurélie Csillag, Höbinger took advantage of the space afforded to her to fire into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

There were opportunities for Csillag and Beata Olsson to double the lead, but the hosts survived and then made the most of a counter-attack just beyond the half-hour mark to make it 1-1.

Chancelle Effa Effa led the breakaway and squared for Levasseur to equalise, despite Lily Woodham’s valiant efforts on the goal-line.

The Reds were forced into a change when Csillag was carried off on a stretcher, having fallen to the turf under no challenge in a concerning moment.

After a lengthy pause, Effa Effa fired straight at Faye Kirby before Höbinger and Olsson were off target at the other end.

The hosts took the lead five minutes into the second period – Lee heading in Rebecca McKenna’s cross – but Liverpool’s response was emphatic.

They drew level immediately after the restart, with 18-year-old McDonald in position at the back post to prod in a deflected Cornelia Kapocs hit.

It was 3-2 three minutes later, Höbinger smashing past Lucy Thomas from distance again following good build-up play.

Lee went close twice to signal Birmingham were far from out of the contest, and parity was restored entering the final quarter of an hour.

Leidhammar’s attempt from around 25 yards out was too well placed and powerful for Kirby to keep out.

Kapocs curled just wide and Maizie Trueman struck the post and then forced a good save from Thomas, as the Reds battled to reclaim their lead.

Their perseverance was rewarded with the last meaningful action of the night.

Ramos directed the ball into the net after Zara Shaw rose high to meet an in-swinging delivery.

Team

Liverpool: Kirby, Bergstrom (Kerr, 61), Shaw, Agrez, Woodham, Nagano (Ramos, 46), Höbinger (Maclean, 74), Trueman, Olsson (McDonald, 46), Enderby, Csillag (Kapocs, 44).

Unused subs: Laws, Clark, Bernabe, Breen.

Goals: Höbinger (4, 54), McDonald (51), Ramos (90+3).

Next up

Liverpool turn their focus back to Barclays Women’s Super League matters on Saturday, when they visit Manchester United.

The clash at Progress with Unity Stadium kicks off at 1.30pm BST. Away tickets and travel can be booked here.