A last-gasp winner from West Ham captain Dagny Brynjarsdóttir saw Liverpool crash out in the quarter-finals of the Continental League Cup.
The Reds had advanced to the knockout stages as the best second-placed side in the competition, having beaten Sunderland, Leicester and Blackburn in the group stages before the winter break. Ahead of Wednesday's clash, manager Matt Beard spoke about the importance of fielding a strong side, with Liverpool needing to regain some momentum after their most recent WSL meeting with Chelsea was abandoned after just seven minutes of play due to a frozen pitch.
The Liverpool boss made four changes from the side that lined up at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, with young goalkeeper Faye Kirby coming in for Rachael Laws and January signing Fuka Nagano making her home debut. In the opposition dugout, Paul Konchesky made just two changes from the side that slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Everton last weekend, with Emma Snerle and Mel Filis coming into the starting eleven.
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And it was the visitors who made the brighter start to the contest at Prenton Park, Mel Filis threading a lovely ball into the path of Viviane Asseyi whose chipped effort was smothered by the onrushing Kirby. The France international was denied again moments later, with the young 'keeper producing a superb stop to divert the ball to safety.
Liverpool's first chance of the game fell to Missy Bo Kearns on the half-hour mark, the midfielder pouncing on a loose ball and drilling her long-range effort just wide of the post. The 21-year-old then almost turned provider, whipping in an inviting cross that just evaded Katie Stengel in the box
The American almost got Liverpool off to the perfect start after the break, driving a powerful strike into the gloves of Mackenzie Arnold after a lovely bit of play from Kearns. And Stengel thought she had given the hosts the lead with less than half an hour to play, the American prodding the ball home from a few yards out after Kearns deep free-kick was flicked on into her path, however, the goal was chalked off for offside.
But it was Dagny Brynjarsdóttir who turned out to be the match-winner, the Iceland international afforded the freedom of the Liverpool penalty and nodding home a sumptuos Viviane Asseyi cross. The Reds battled to find a late leveller but it wasn't to be for Matt Beard's side, who will return to action against Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Here's how the players got on at Prenton Park...
Faye Kirby - 8
Off her line early to make an early save from Viviane Asseyi. Made another super stop from the French international minutes later from the France international. Great stop from Longhurst in the second half. Couldn't have done much for the goal.
Emma Koivisto - 6
Unable to really provide her usual attacking threat. Subbed at the break.
Missy Bo Kearns - 8
Came close with a long-range effort in the first half and almost set up Stengel with a decent cross. Played a beautifully weighted ball through to the American after the interval.
Gemma Bonner - 6
Did a solid job at the back on her first appearance at Prenton Park in 1,711 days. Subbed
Niamh Fahey - 7
Made a crucial sliding intervention to thwart Asseyi in the first half. Charged down Evans in the second half.
Ceri Holland -6
More influential after the break. Pressed well and fired a long-range effort wide of the post. Subbed.
Fuka Nagano - 7
Really tidy on the ball and some nice first time passes. Subbed.
Yana Daniels - 6
Tried to carry the ball forwards but got caught in possession a couple of times.
Melissa Lawley - 7
Nearly set up Stengel with a low cross in the first half. Pressed well. Subbed.
Taylor Hinds - 6
Whipped in a couple of dangerous balls but influence faded in the second half.
Katie Stengel - 7
Always a willing runner and had a couple of half chances before the break. Came close with an effort early in the first half.
Substitutes:
Leighanne Robe - 7
Really looked to get forward after her introduction and made a couple of good tackles.
Megan Campbell - 7
Played a lovely ball through to Lundgaard and made some crucial interceptions at the back.
Sofie Lundgaard - 6
Almost got on the scoresheet and did a tidy job in the middle of the park.
Jasmine Matthews
Minutes.
Rachel Furness
Minutes.
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