Liverpool Feds suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday afternoon, writes Margherita Scarcella at Jericho Lane.
The Yorkshire side emerged victorious courtesy of a Maria Farrugia double, despite the hosts’ positive start against the Championship club.
Liverpool Feds spelled out their early intent as the Sheffield United keeper was forced to claw away an early corner from Ellie Fletcher, that could have been a perfect assist for Emma Johnson’s header as
The hosts kept pressuring the visitors and midway through the first half a smart interplay between Aleesha Collins and Johnson released Katie Anderson on the left. Her teasing cross into the area was met by a Sheffield United defender, who got it behind for a corner.
Your Feds to take on Sheffield United!📝#FedArmy @FAWNL @AdobeWFACup pic.twitter.com/v5O8PW0t1h
— Liverpool Feds FC Women (@LiverpoolFeds) December 8, 2024
Shortly afterwards United went on a counterattack and got their first scent of goal with Annie Wilding driving forward and firing it from outside the box – her effort going just inches wide of the post.
Sheffield increased their pressing and, half an hour into the game, Maltese international Farrugia handed the lead to her team with her effort flying in off the crossbar.
Despite falling behind, the Feds kept the tempo up and fought hard to find the equaliser. As halftime approached, Collins appeared to be barged in the back in the box but the penalty appeals were waved away by the referee.
The Liverpool side started the second half on the front foot, pinning United back as they looked to level the game. Collins cut inside and tried to whip it towards the goal, but Bethan Davies was equal to it.
The guests sought to double the lead with Jacqui Hand on the end of a Fallon Olivia Connolly-Jackson’s cross. However, the Blades’ advantage was doubled two minutes shy of the hour as Eva Butler drove into the box, evaded a challenge and slid it across for Farrugia to tap home.
In the closing stages, Liverpool Feds tried to narrow the gap with a deep Mia Parry freekick turned goalwards, forcing Davies into a great save. Shortly afterwards Feds last effort, a corner from Smith, was clawed away from under the crossbar meaning that their FA Cup run came to an end against the higher tier opposition.
Liverpool Feds turn their attention to the next league fixture in January against Halifax in the National League North where they will be looking to respond after defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
