LFC WOMEN: Gunners prove too strong for Liverpool

Feb 13 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL fell to a 5-2 defeat to champions-elect Arsenal on Sunday as they attempt to climb the National Division table.

After a fine win over Cardiff last week, David Bradley now has his side almost safe from relegation, and he is determined the team enjoy the final part of the season.

Both Chantelle Parry and Jo Traynor scored in the defeat on Sunday but Lianne Sanderson and Julie Fleeting both bagged braces and Gunners winger Rachel Yankey also got on the scoresheet. And even though the game ended predictably, the Liverpool manager was proud of his side’s commitment despite defeat.

“At times we played some amazing football,” said Bradley. “We were 1-1 until we gave away a soft goal before half time, but we had a mountain of chances. In terms of effort I’m pleased and it wasn’t a 5-2 game really. But credit to the girls for the performance and we expressed ourselves. Arsenal created chances and put them away. Although we can take a lot of positives from today’s game.”

Tranmere needed a win against falling Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday to drag them away from the relegation zone. But they could only draw, which now means they are now on level points with bottom side Crewe. Sarah Manning put Rovers in the lead in the second half, but Annabelle Price was sent-off for violent conduct shortly after.

Wednesday pulled the scores level, but being down to 10 players with half an hour to play was too much reckoned Rovers manager Shirley Waring: “It could have been worse, but we needed the three points. The girls ran their socks off today, mainly because of the sending-off.”

Meanwhile, six Everton players travelled with the England squad at the weekend to Cyprus for two friendlies with Norway and Sweden.

Defenders Rachel Unitt and Lindsay Johnson have been joined by midfielders Fara Williams, Jill Scott, Emily Westwood and striker Jody Handley.

All the players will want to impress ahead of the Three Lions Euro 2009 qualifier with Northern Ireland next month.