Birmingham City’s comeback through Kirsty Linnett and Hannah Keryakoplis fell short as Notts County denied them the win they needed to secure the FA Women’s Super League 1 title.
In a thrilling climax to season, Aileen Whelan and Fiona O'Sullivan struck for the Lady Pies early on before Linnett and Keryakoplis’ response.
Birmingham City 2-2 Notts County
FA WSL 1
Sunday 12 October, 2014
At Solihull Moors
But the Blues finished third as despite Chelsea’s loss to Manchester City, Liverpool retained their crown after a comfortable victory over Bristol Academy.
Notts stunned Birmingham after three minutes as Whelan nodded in a close-range header after latching onto a Katie Hoyle corner.
And following further pressure from the visitors, O’Sullivan slotted home from six yards after Whelan’s initial shot was blocked.
However, substitute Keryakoplis was to swing things back in Birmingham’s favour after coming on for Abbeyleigh Stringer.
The striker drew keeper Carly Telford off her line and slipped the ball to Linnett, who tapped in.
But Telford was the hero for the away side just before the break, saving both Karen Carney’s penalty and her rebound after a handball in the penalty area.
The influential Keryakoplis drew the Blues level soon after half time, picking up a loose ball and beating Telford one-on-one.
The hosts kept plugging away, Carney going close, though substitute Dunia Susi hit the bar for the Lady Pies.
And only Telford stopped Birmingham from lifting the title after an inspired save from Linnett at the death.
Birmingham City (4-2-3-1): Spencer, Weston (Westwood 80) Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Potter, Allen (Moore ht), Carney, Stringer, (Keryakoplis 28) Lawley, Linnett.
Subs not used: Baggaley, Sergeant, Simpkins, Torkildsen.
Bookings: Allen, Weston
Notts County (4-2-3-1): Telford, O’Neil, Brogan, Corise, Turner, Scott (Susi 64), Walton, Whelan, Hoyle, Clarke O’Sullivan (Friend 88)
Subs not used: Draycott, Plumptre, Roberts.
Bookings: Clarke, Scott, Susi.
Attendance: 1,448
Referee: Mark Griffiths
