Another week, another three points for Liverpool FC Women as they progress to promotion to the FA Women’s Championship. Unfortunately, again, no one outside the stadium could watch the women’s and men’s kick-off at the same time. Although the men’s team was away and the women’s team was at home, the entire LFCTV broadcast team was with the men’s team.

From what we were able to concoct from official reports and tweets from those present at the game, Liverpool got a good first-half fight through Sunderland before a big call changed the game.

Matt Beard had a full squad to choose from apart from long-term absences Rylee Foster, Rianna Dean and Jasmine Matthews. Charlotte Wardlaw started at right wing back, with Razza Roberts pushing inside as one of the centre-backs. Megan Campbell was dropped to the bench after a string of starts. Ceri Holland got her first start since returning from covid, with Missy Bo Kearns resting on the bench. Liverpool’s deadly strike force of Leanne Kiernan, Katie Stegnel and Yana Daniels had another chance to start together.

Sunderland managed to make inroads into fashion shooting chances on several occasions in the first half. Rachael Laws was called on several times, making saves in the 16th and 33rd minutes. Sunderland also saw a shot deflected and go just over the bar in the 21st minute.

Liverpool, for their part, created quite a few scoring chances in the first half but failed to break through. Katie Stengel handed the ball to Niam Fahey in the 36th minute, and the centre-back netted the shot on target. Sunderland keeper Allison Cowling managed to make the save and hold the ball to deny a follow-up.

Just two minutes later, Cowling again had to make a save to keep Liverpool out of the net. Taylor Hinds sent in a cross that met Razza Roberts’ header, but Cowling parried the ball wide of the net.

Just before half-time, Liverpool had their best half-time chance. Taylor Hinds sent a free kick on the frame, but Neve Herron headed the ball off the line to save the goal.

The second half quickly tipped the game in favor of Liverpool. Just two minutes into the half, Katie Stengel was in goal when she was cut off by Neve Herron. The hero at the end of the first half received a red card, and Liverpool received a penalty. Stengel took the kick she deserved and powered the ball past Cowling to give the Reds a 1-0 lead!

With the lead and the player advantage, Matt Beard opted to make three suns in the 58th minute. Megan Campbell, Melissa Lawley and Missy Bo Kearns all came. Leighanne Robe, Razza Roberts and Ceri Holland are gone.

Liverpool continued to create chances and nearly doubled their lead in the 60th minute. Taylor Hinds sent a ball into the box which was not dealt with by Allison Cowling, and the ball fell on Melissa Lawley. The substitute got a shot, but it was cleared off the line by Louise Griffiths.

Megan Campbell announced her presence a few minutes later. The centre-back sent one of his signature long touches into the box, and the ball went past everyone and into the net before it could be touched. As no one touched the ball, it was ruled out as it was an indirect set-piece.

Allison Cowling was forced into another save in the 68th minute. Bo Kearns sent Taylor Hinds down the left with a good pass, and the left wing fed the ball back to Yana Daniels, who had her shot saved.

Moments later, Hinds again almost provided an assist, this time sending the ball to Leanne Kiernan. The Irishman stretched to meet the ball but saw it bounce off the crossbar.

Jade Bailey and Meikayla Moore entered the fray in the 76th minute, replacing Rachel Furness and Leanne Kiernan in the 76th minute.

Liverpool finally scored their second goal of the match in the 85th minute. Megan Campbell sent another of her long throws into the box, and it eventually fell on Katie Stengel. The American striker handed the ball over to Yana Daniels, who put the ball past the keeper and into the net!

Katie Stengel earned her second penalty of the day in the 90th minute. This time Bo Kearns got up to take it, putting it in the net for Liverpool’s third goal of the game.

Liverpool’s victory, coupled with other results on the day, saw the Reds increase their lead at the top of the table to 10 points. London City are second, still a game short, but the lead leaves Liverpool with plenty of breathing room if they need it.

Matt Beard’s side, however, do not plan to leave matters to others as they are now unbeaten in the league since the very first game of the season. Rachael Laws got her fourth consecutive clean sheet in the league, most recently in November. It was his 10th shutout of the season, breaking his own club record!

Liverpool players will now disperse for an international break. The Reds will be back in action on February 27, when they host Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Women’s Cup.