Liverpool suffered their 5th successive league defeat of the season at the hands of Aston Villa on a cold damp day at Prenton Park.
The newly promoted side have picked up just one win in the Women’s Super League this season and find themselves in a relegation battle. A second half penalty converted by Rachel Daly cemented the reds fate as the game finished 1-0.
The away-side that dominated the early exchanges but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Slick passing and good movement led to numerous openings, yet their final ball continued to let them down.
It was not until the half hour mark the Reds created their genuine first opportunity. With Katie Stengel proving a handful, Jasmine Matthews’ shot from the edge of the area was deflected round the post. The home-side ended the first half more positively, right-back Emma Koivisto spurned a golden opportunity for Liverpool as she fired over the bar from six yards.
Villa’s Alesha Lehmann had the perfect chance to put her side in front heading into half time only to see her shot bounce back off the post.
The second half began in similar vein as the first as Carla Warde’s side took control of the game again. The match burst into life as Aston Villa were awarded a penalty. Nadine Hanssen raced away from the defence before she was brought down by the onrushing Rachael Laws. Rachel Daly stepped up and dispatched her 5th goal of the season giving Laws no chance.
(Picture by:Hana Basir) 
The Villan’s maintained their control, Daly always a problem but with no reward, one close range effort was superbly blocked by Gill Flaherty.
The final stage of the match petered out as Aston Villa’s extra quality shone through.
Dominant possession and tactical fouls ensured Matt Beard’s side could gain no momentum giving the Midland’s side the three points.
Yet to keep a clean sheet and only one goal from open play this season shows the challenges that Liverpool need to overcome to move up the table. They take on Brighton in their next game looking for that second win of the season.
