A decade ago, Liverpool Women were a team of plucky title contenders with young starlets like Lucy Bronze and Katie Zelem in their ranks. That team, managed by Matt Beard, went on to become back-to-back Women’s Super League champions.
Almost 10 years on from that triumph in 2013, Liverpool are no longer the team to beat.
But on Sunday they planted their flag in the grass at Prenton Park with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City, an upset reminiscent of the very best days under Beard who is now two years into his second spell in charge.
Matt Beard previously managed Liverpool between 2012-15 (Photo by Matt McNulty – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
It was a triumph that effectively killed City’s title hopes with Gareth Taylor’s side six points off Manchester United in first, who they face next weekend, with an inferior goal difference.
City’s title race ended in Birkenhead – and it was Liverpool, in their first season back in the top flight after two years in the Championship, who made it happen. Liverpool may not be title contenders now but they are slowly emerging as gutsy disruptors who will take pride from another gritty performance.
The season started with a shock win over Chelsea. The games have not always gone to plan, but after ticking off their main…
