Liverpool spurned the chance to inch closer to WSL survival as bottom-of-the-table Leicester battled to a 1-0 victory at Prenton Park.
The clash marked the first ever Women's Super League meeting between the two sides; Liverpool having scored four without reply when they travelled to the King Power in the Continental Cup back in October. The Reds took to the field on Sunday looking to record a third consecutive home win for the first time since January 2018 and knowing a victory over the Foxes would almost guarantee their top-flight status beyond the end of this season.
Leicester started the day in the league's sole relegation spot, having won just one of their previous 11 games and having failed to pick up a single point on their travels this term. Willie Kirk made one change to the side that were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City last time out, with Ruby Mace coming in for Georgia Eaton-Collins, while Rhiannon Roberts for Emma Koivisto was the only change for the hosts.
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It was Leicester that made the brighter start to the contest, with Gemma Bonner forced to scramble the ball behind after a mix up in the penalty area between Megan Campbell and goalkeeper Rachael Laws. And the visitors were soon rewarded for their early pressure, Hannah Cain drilling the ball into the Liverpool net after a well worked corner routine.
The Foxes almost made it two on the 15 minute mark, with CJ Bott seing her long-range effort acrobatically tipped onto the bar by Laws. Liverpool's first chance of the game came after half an hour; Jasmine Matthews heading straight into the gloves of Janina Leitzig after a threatening long throw from Campbell.
The hosts looked much improved after the break, Missy Bo Kearns almost teeing up Ceri Holland with an inviting ball into the box. Holland was involved again minutes later, the Wales international stretching to latch on to Melissa Lawley's sumptuous delivery before substitute Natasha Dowie saw her headed effort cannon off the bar.
Chances continued to come for the Reds as they battled to restore parity late on but it wasn't to be for Matt Beard's side, who will return to action against title hopefuls Arsenal after the international break.
Here's how the players got on at Prenton Park....
Rachael Laws - 6
Involved in an early defensive mix up with Megan Campbell but made a stunning save from Bott.
Rhiannon Roberts - 5
In for Emma Koivisto. Lost possession a few times early on and struggled to influence the game further forward. Subbed.
Missy Bo Kearns - 6
Liverpool's brightest attacking outlet in the first half and almost teed up Holland in the second half.
Gemma Bonner - 6
Did a solid job at the back and made an important sliding block after the break.
Jasmine Matthews - 6
Continues to deputise well for Fahey. Made a goal-saving interception from Whelan in the second half.
Ceri Holland - 6
Failed to find her usual impressive form in the first half but better after the break and nearly got on the scoresheet.
Fuka Nagano - 6
Did a tidy job but struggled to influence the game to the same extent as she did against Reading.
Megan Campbell - 6
Involved in an early defensive mix up with Rachael Laws but grew into the game and caused plenty of problems with her long throws.
Melissa Lawley - 6
Struggled to get on the ball before the break but much improved in the second half. Almost set up Holland.
Taylor Hinds- 5
Made some important interceptions in the first half. Subbed shortly after the break.
Katie Stengel - 5
Held the ball up well but didn't get much service in the in the first half. Subbed.
Substitutes:
Yana Daniels
Fired over the bar late on.
Natasha Dowie
Should have done better with her header in the second half.
Sofie Lundgaard
Added a bit more physicality in the middle of the park.
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