Match Recap: Manchester City Women Down Liverpool

Two second half goals from Rose Lavelle and Jess Park added to a brilliant first half opener by Laura Coombs as Manchester City Women took top spot in their League Cup group. The blues won 3-0 at Prenton Park but it could easily have been more as City laid siege to the home side in the second half.

Following Sunday’s FA Cup Final success, City were in the mood to heap more misery onto a Merseyside team and made eight changes to the side that beat Everton at Wembley. Karen Bardsley made her 100^th appearance for the blues, with Esme Morgan, Gemma Bonner, Jill Scott joined Stanway, Coombs and Park in the starting line-up, which was completed by Janine Beckie who was making her 50^th appearance for the club.

And it was the much changed City that had the first opportunity of the match as Scott drove over the bar with just a couple of minutes on the clock. Stanway and Coombs were denied by the home keeper, while Rhiannon Roberts denied Park a goal with a last-ditch challenge.

Liverpool had their chances of their own as Ashley Hodson and Rinsola Babajide went close for the hosts. But three minutes before half time, City took the lead with a moment of magic. Bonner’s pass was flicked up by Coombs before hitting her shot over the keeper and into the back of the net. It was a lightning fast move by the 29 year old and certainly one to savour.

City began the second half on the front foot and it would only be a matter of time before they scored again. Livewire Park created a chance for herself that was stopped by the keeper, before having a hand in City’s second goal. The youngster drove forward before releasing Lucy Bronze down the right. The full-back’s cross into the area was met by Lavelle, who slipped the ball home from close range.

The blues continued to press as Ellen White replaced Stanway and the England striker wanted a penalty after a coming together with Leighanne Robe, but the referee wasn’t interested. City would eventually get their third and Park got the goal her performance deserved, converting at the far post.

City now face United in their final game, while Liverpool face Everton. The blues return to league action on Saturday when they welcome Bristol City to Manchester on Saturday.

Final Score: Liverpool Women 0-3 Manchester City Women