Liverpool Ladies retain WSL title on dramatic final day

Liverpool Ladies have retained the Women’s Super League title in the most dramatic style on the final day of the season.

Matt Beard’s side went into the final round of games as the outsiders for the title, in third place in the league. But a defeat for Chelsea at Man City, 2-1, and Birmingham drawing with Notts County, 2-2, meant Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Bristol Academy gave them the title.

Liverpool were such outsiders that the WSL trophy had to be driven by motorbike from Manchester to Widnes midway through the second half.

Goals from Natasha Dowie, Lucy Bronze and a penalty from Fara Williams gave Liverpool victory in at the Select Security Stadium, securing the title for a second successive season.

LFC Ladies finished the season level on points with Chelsea, but with a superior goal difference by two. Birmingham ended third, a point behind and missing out on a Champions League place.

The Ladies head to Sweden next where they hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of the Champions League tie against Linkoping.