Liverpool scored twice in three minutes to secure a crucial victory over Reading at Prenton Park and move up to eighth in the WSL table.
Matt Beard's side started the day in ninth place, just one point above Reading - albeit having played two games less than their visitors. The Royals came out on top in their previous three away meetings with Liverpool, and pegged the Reds back during the reverse fixture in November, though Kelly Chambers side had failed to pick up a single point on their travels this term ahead of their trip to Merseyside.
The Liverpool boss made two changes to the team that were narrowly beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup last weekend, with Taylor Hinds returning to captain the side and deadline day loan signing Natasha Dowie unavailable for selection against her parent club. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns and midfielder Jade Moore were restored to the starting XI for Reading following the Royals' penalty shootout victory over Leicester last time out.
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It was a nervy start for the hosts at Prenton Park, the ball almost ricocheting into the Liverpool net after goalkeeper Rachael Laws was caught in possession on the edge of her 18-yard box. Emma Harries nearly gave Reading an early lead minutes later, the striker hitting the bar with a header after a superb cross from Emma Mukandi.
Liverpool's first chance of the game came after 16 minutes, when Ceri Holland nodded Emma Koivisto's cross into the path of Katie Stengel, whose scuffed effort was frantically hooked off the line. Gemma Evans came close at the other end of the pitch, but her left-footed strike was diverted wide thanks to some fine defending from Koivisto.
Holland came close to opening the scoring after the break, her curling effort sailing just over the bar after an excellent driving run from Melissa Lawley. The Reds were soon rewarded for their second-half pressure; Missy Bo Kearns latching on to Koivisto's low cross and tucking the ball into the bottom corner to put Liverpool ahead on the hour mark.
And Matt Beard's side wasted no time in doubling their advantage, Holland drilling her effort into the back of the net after lovely flick-on from Gemma Bonner. Reading battled to find a way back into the contest but there was to be no late comeback for Kelly Chambers' side, with the win taking Liverpool eight points clear of bottom-of-the table Leicester ahead of the Foxes visit to Merseyside next weekend.
Here's how the players got on at Prenton Park....
Rachael Laws - 6
Caught in possession early on but distribution improved throughout the game. A good punch away under plenty of pressure in the first half. Largely a spectator after the break.
Emma Koivisto - 8
Cleared Gemma Evans effort off the line and constantly looked to get forward. Set up Bo Kearns for Liverpool's first goal.
Missy Bo Kearns - 7
Pressed well in the first half and put Liverpool in front in the second. Grew in confidence as the game went on. Subbed.
Gemma Bonner - 7
Restored to the starting XI in place of the injured Niamh Fahey and marshalled the back line well. Flicked the ball on to Holland for Liverpool's second.
Jasmine Matthews - 7
Did a solid job at the back and partnered Bonner well.
Ceri Holland - 8
Saw her volley well saved by Burns and almost set up Stengel in the first half. Sent a curling effort just over bar after the break. Scored Liverpool's second. Seemed to be involved in absolutely everything.
Fuka Nagano - 7
Great movement in the middle of the park and really composed on the ball. Found Holland with a lovely through ball in the second half.
Megan Campbell - 7
Caused problems with her long throws, including in the build up to Liverpool's second goal. Defended solidly too.
Melissa Lawley - 6
Nice cross that just evaded Stengel in the first half but struggled to reach her usual high standards in the first half. Better after the break as she looked to drive forwards more. Subbed.
Taylor Hinds - 6
Captained the side in Fahey's absence. Missed the mark with a couple of crosses but defended well.
Katie Stengel - 6
Almost bundled the ball over the line in the first half. Came close in the second and held the ball up well. Subbed.
Substitutes:
Yana Daniels - 6
Looked lively after her introduction.
Miri Taylor
A few minutes on her debut.
Sofie Lundgaard
Minutes.
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