LFC Women do deliver - beat Blackburn 3-1 in pre-season friendly

Yana Daniels headed Matt Beard’s team into an early lead at Prenton Park, only for Saffron Jordan to equalise swiftly with an impressive set-piece effort. But the Reds ensured a second successive victory of the summer after the interval as Katie Stengel restored their lead and Daniels netted a second time late on.

The hosts made a bright start as they looked to build on their 6-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest last weekend and fashioned their first real chance on 12 minutes. Neat footwork and a one-two with Stengel by Missy Bo Kearns allowed the midfielder to tee up Daniels for a strike that she pulled wide of goal.

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But the same combination produced a breakthrough for Liverpool within moments. This time Kearns found her teammate with a deep cross to the back post and Daniels made no mistake with a header beyond the Blackburn goalkeeper.

The visitors responded immediately, however, levelling in the 17th minute when Jordan powered a free-kick into the top right corner from distance. Past the half-hour mark, Stengel went close to restoring Liverpool’s lead but her header from Rachel Furness’ delivery bounced off the crossbar.

The American striker did not have to wait much longer to celebrate, though. Following five substitutions at the interval, Carla Humphrey’s dipping corner kick opened up a chance for Stengel to tuck into the net from close range.

Ceri Holland saw a strike from inside the box, set up by Humphrey, comfortably saved as time ticked away and Melissa Lawley was then inches away from finding the top corner with a hit from the edge of the area. The Reds did finally extend their advantage and guarantee the win a minute into added time, Daniels on hand to convert when served by Lawley’s low cross. Beard’s team will play their third pre-season fixture next Saturday as they face Manchester United away from home.

Line-up

LFC Women: Cumings, Koivisto, Fahey, Robe (Roberts, 46), Campbell (Flaherty, 46), Hinds, Kearns (Holland, 46), Furness (Humphrey, 46), Daniels, Van de Sanden (Lawley, 46), Stengel.

Unused substitutes: Clarke, Kiernan.