Liverpool Ladies retained their Women’s Super League title this weekend in dramatic fashion as they jumped from third to first on the final day to win the championship on goal difference.
Goals from Natasha Dowie, Lucy Bronze and a penalty by Fara Williams gave Liverpool the decisive 3-0 victory against Bristol Academy at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes.
The team could only triumph overall if closest rivals Chelsea lost and Birmingham failed to win. With Birmingham City drawing against Notts County and Chelsea Ladies losing at Manchester City, Liverpool were successful for the second year running.
Liverpool Ladies captain Gemma Bonner told JMU Journalism: “It is absolutely brilliant. Everyone from the players through to the coaching staff deserves enormous credit for retaining the title. We have had a number of setbacks throughout the season so to win for a second consecutive season is a great achievement.
“I thought the game was one of our best performances of the season. We seem to raise our game in the bigger matches and it proved to be the case yesterday. I thought we were unfortunate not to be leading at half time but once we got the first, we relaxed and played some great football.”
Matt Beard’s side attacked from the very beginning but were only rewarded with goals in the second half of the match.
Striker Dowie was able to score after a pass from Gemma Davison and the team quickly followed it up with another strike by former Evertonian Bronze.
Midfielder Williams converted a penalty following a foul on Dowie to secure the win that left the Reds top of the table on goal difference.
Speaking about the close contention for the title, Bonner told JMU Journalism: “It is absolutely unbelievable. It’s been a really close season with everyone in the division taking points off each other but for three teams in with a chance of winning it going into the final day was incredible.
“Chelsea and Birmingham City are two quality sides, who were both one goal away from winning it, which shows how closely fought the WSL has been this season. All three teams deserve great credit for fighting until the end.
The 23-year-old added: “It has been quite a reserved celebration so far. We went out for a team meal after the match but with such a massive game coming up on Thursday [against Likopings] in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, our complete focus is on that.”