Liverpool secured their place in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton at the St Helens Stadium.
First-half goals from Mia Enderby and Beata Olsson proved enough to see the Reds through, despite a late scare.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute.
Martha Thomas found Ceri Holland, whose delivery was a constant threat throughout the afternoon.
Holland’s pinpoint cross to the back post found Enderby, who bravely headed home.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Enderby collided with Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan in the act of scoring.
The forward was unfortunately stretchered off and replaced by Beata Olsson.
Olsson made an immediate impact, doubling the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Anotherdelivery from Holland caused panic in the Everton box, and Olsson reacted first to poke the ball past Brosnan from close range.
Liverpool remained dominant for much of the second half, with Brosnan forced into several fine saves to deny Jenna Clark, Cornelia Kapocs, and Martha Thomas.
However, Everton found a lifeline in the 72nd minute.
Aurora Galli’s strike hit the post and rebounded off Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk’s back and into the net.
The final 20 minutes were tense as Everton pushed for an equaliser, but Gareth Taylor’s side managed the closing stages expertly.
The reds now patiently await their opponents in tomorrow nights draw which takes place at 19:00 (UK).
Speaking to channel 4, Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor expressed his pride in the team’s grit, whilst providing an update on the injury to Mia Enderby.
On the performance:
”I didn’t think we were great in the first half if I’m being honest. We were happy to be 2-0 up at half-time.
”It was a bit tense at the end, but the FA Cup is always like that.”
On Mia Enderby’s injury:
”She felt like a kneecap popped out of place. The first thing you think about is an ACL.
”But hopefully she seems to be ok. We could have done without that because we were already limited with options today.”
On the team’s mentality:
”I think the group gives a lot; they’re really humble and honest.
”We’ve had tough moments this season, but you can see now we’re starting to come into a little bit more confidence and fight.
”You have to earn it, and we certainly did towards the end.”
On the quarter-final draw:
”An easier one would be nice, but being here at St Helens is great because we have the fans behind us.
”A home tie would be nice, but let’s see.”
On the home support:
”The fans have had a tough time this season, but now we’re building.
”We are a work in progress, but we have a bunch of girls who really want to improve.”
(Featured image – By Courtney Gray)
