Liverpool march on at the top with victory over Sunderland

Liverpool continued their march towards the FA Women’s Championship title with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at Prenton Park on Sunday.

Despite a goalless first half, The Reds came out on top in the second half as they ensured that they added another three points to their tally.

The first effort of the game came from Sunderland’s Keira Ramshaw but her shot went over the bar causing no issues for home goalkeeper Rachael Laws.

Liverpool then appealed for a penalty when a long ball from Leighanne Robe found teammate Yana Daniels who felt she was fouled in the box but the referee determined that she had committed a foul herself on visiting keeper Allison Cowling.

The Reds continued to put pressure on the visitors but a long distance shot from Rachel Furness went over the bar before Laws kept the scores level with two important saves in quick succession at the other end.

Liverpool were awarded a penalty soon after the second half had got underway. Forward Katie Stengel was clipped from behind by Neve Herron in the box and the referee blew the whistle for a penalty with the Sunderland defender issued with a straight red card for the challenge. Stengel stepped up to take the penalty herself and slotted the ball away to put The Reds 1-0 up.

Just before the hour mark, Liverpool boss Matt Beard made three substitutions that arguably changed the flow of the game with Megan Campbell, Missy Bo Kearns and Melissa Lawley all coming onto the pitch. Lawley immediately made an impact, linking well with Kearns and causing problems for the left side of Sunderland’s defence.

It felt like the game’s second goal would come Liverpool’s way and that was the case as Campbell delivered a mighty long throw which Stengel played to Daniels who struck from inside the box.

Soon after the second goal, Stengel was the victim of another a tough tackle in the box and she won her side a second penalty. This time, Kearns stepped up to take the penalty and she didn’t disappoint as she converted the chance to make it 3-0 to Liverpool.

It wasn’t the easiest game for the FA Women’s Championship leaders but they eventually saw off Sunderland to claim another important three points.