Natasha Dowie scored the winner for Liverpool as they squeezed past a well-organised and resolute performance from Durham with a narrow 1-0 triumph in The FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup.
The hosts’ 2-2 draw with Sunderland last week at the Hetton Centre in FA WSL 1 all but ruled out Liverpool’s chances of defending their title, but the Continental Cup has proved an encouraging distraction for Matt Beard’s side.
After losing 5-0 to Manchester City in their last group game, Durham set out to frustrate and contain their opposition – a tactic that worked well for 65 minutes, with Liverpool limited to shots from distance.
Liverpool 1-0 Durham
FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup
Group Two
Saturday 15 August
Select Security Stadium
by Andrew Gibney
Liverpool boss Beard had rested Dowie and Rosie White for the game, but with the tie still goalless both came on before the hour.
It took Dowie just 10 minutes to grab her fourth goal of the competition.
Ashley Hodson worked the ball beautifully down the left and after cutting into the box she picked out the unmarked Dowie for the only goal of the game.
It was a frustrating day for the Merseyside club, but they will be happy to come away with all three points and their 100 per cent record intact.
Midfielder Katie Zelem said: “It was a good team performance, I think we could have got more goals, but it wasn't to be.
“They played a bit of a block at the back, so it was difficult to get round.
“The second half we had a lot more joy when we made the substitutions, it was frustrating as we had a lot of chances on goal, we just couldn't finish them.
“I was happy with my performance, it's good to get some minutes under my belt.
“The coach has made a few changes for the Continental Cup matches, so it's good that all the girls are getting the time they deserve.”
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Libby Stout, Martha Harris, Becky Easton, Gemma Bonner, Maz Pacheco, Katrin Omarsdottir (Rosie White 56), Katie Zelem, Lucy Staniforth, Ashley Hodson, Line Smorsgard (Natasha Dowie 56), Kate Longhurst (Satara Murray 74).
Subs not used: Rachel Darbyshire, Hannah Dale, Mollie Green
Durham (4-2-3-1): Anne Moorhouse, Lauren Jordinson, Gaby Banks (Jordan Atkinson 65), Victoria Linsley, Julie Nelson, Sarah Wilson, Chloe Macek, Beth Hepple (Erin Kelly 85), Natalie Gutteridge, Nicki Gears, Amelia Pereira (Meg Lawson 78).
Subs not used: Sophie Stonehouse
Attendance: 493
Referee: A. Smith
