Liverpool suffered a sixth defeat out of seven league games as they lost 1-0 away to Manchester City.

The only goal of the game came courtesy of former Liverpool Captain, Gemma Bonner who scored a close range header past the Reds keeper Anke Preuss. City dominated throughout having more possession and shots than their visitors from Merseyside.

However, Liverpool gave a hard fought performance despite what the table shows and pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half. The City keeper Ellie Roebuck was in inspired form and made a number of vital saves to keep the Reds at bay.

City edged the first 20 minutes of the contest with Preuss called into action early on to save a snap-shot from Tessa Wuallaert.

City then came close again but a vital last ditch challenge from Liverpool defender Sophie Bradley-Auckland prevented Lauren Hemp getting a shot away.

The goal came eventually in the 20th minute and it came from two former Liverpool players. Caroline Weir delivered the set piece that was finished by Bonner and at this point it looked like it may be a long afternoon for Liverpool.

The Reds had to ride out City pressure until half time but in the second half they grew into the game. Melissa Lawley’s first time cross was spilled by the City keeper only for her to collect the ball at the second attempt.

Bradley-Auckland dragged a shot wide of the City goal towards the end of the game Roebuck produced an excellent double save to deny Jade Baily and then a follow up header from Niamh Fahey.

In the end it was not Liverpool’s day but the nature of their performance will give them confidence that their form will improve.

Creative Commons Licence – Katie Chan