Reigning champions Liverpool suffered their third league defeat of the season at Notts County on Sunday, leaving them seven points behind current leaders Chelsea.
Fern Whelan scored in the ? minute to give the hosts a vital victory which will leave them heading in to the international break full of confidence. Despite the fact it was the Reds who started the brightest.
Asisat Oshoala broke free down the right immediately after kick-off, forcing Carly Telford in to a good save at her near post, before Fara Williams came agonizingly close with a 30-yard free-kick.
Ellen White and Jess Clarke then had chances for the Lady Pies but both hit their first time efforts over the bar in an uninspiring first half.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard decided to strengthen his side’s attacking options at the break, bringing on Nicole Rosler in a bold move that almost proved pivotal within minutes, as the winger’s well taken effort produced a captivating save from Telford.
The visitors continued to press, and enjoyed most of the opportunities with Martha Harris being next to fire a dangerous effort on goal. But the Reds simply could not find a way through County’s number one, who was included in the WSL Team of the Year last month.
The champion’s misses soon proved costly as Notts pounced on the opportunity to open the scoring. Fern Whelan leaped highest to connect with an Alex Greenwood corner, which soared past Libby Stout at full-stretch to secure the victory.
Following the match, Beard spoke about the tie, which attracted a club record crowd of 2,057, saying: “We had enough chances to win two games today if I’m honest.
“It is something that is getting frustrating now because the same thing happened at Chelsea. They didn’t really cause us any problems throughout the 90 minutes. Once they got in front they managed the game really well. I was disappointed with our reaction and I told the players that after the game.”
Notts County manager Rick Passmoor praised his side for securing a victory against such prestigious opponents, adding: “Today was a win in a very different style to what we have done before. If Liverpool took their chances early doors it could have been so different.
“We found it tough at times because of how well they played in the first half. It was a real tight contest between two top teams. It was a hard-earned victory, but what a way to go into the break – three points, a clean sheet and top three in the table.”
The two clubs will now face a break for the World Cup, with league action resuming in mid-July.
