Liverpool Ladies Natasha Harding celebrates scoring her side's first goal during the FA Women's Super League match at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes.

Liverpool Ladies’ manager Scott Rogers looking to Sheffield challenge after Chelsea defeat

Liverpool Ladies manager Scott Rogers believes there were plenty of positives to take from their 1-0 defeat against Chelsea and he expects a “tough game” from Sheffield on Wednesday.

Rogers’ side were beaten 1-0 by the league leaders, meaning they have picked up one win and two defeats in their first three games of the season.

The Reds won 2-0 in the Merseyside derby on the opening day of the season before producing a disappointing display in their 3-0 defeat against Reading.

However, it was a strong defensive performance against title challengers Chelsea and Rogers believes there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

“We were pleased with the performance but obviously not with the result,” Rogers told This Is Anfield.

“You never go into a game just to keep the scoreline down. We wanted to be competitive and I felt we did that.

“It was just fine margins that cost us in the end and we had limited chances which we didn’t take, while Chelsea took theirs.

“We were solid though and we limited their chances.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 29, 2016: Liverpool Ladies' captain Sophie Ingle waves as the players line-up in-front of the new Main Stand as it undergoes testing as supporters experience the newly rebuilt stand for the second time at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool had a great chance to score through Jess Clarke, when she was put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

However, her heavy touch took the ball away from her and she squandered Liverpool’s best chance of the match.

“It was difficult for Jess because chances were limited,” said Rogers.

“It wasn’t like she had several chances to score before that opportunity. It was hard work for her but she put in a real shift.

“I thought she played really well. She just couldn’t take that chance.

“Nine out of 10 times she would have put that chance away—she does in training all the time—but it didn’t happen and it’s not just her fault.

“We made a few mistakes defensively and allowed them the opportunity to score.”

England Women's Siobhan Chamberlain (Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto)

After conceding three goals against Reading, Liverpool’s defence came under slight criticism, but England international Siobhan Chamberlain made some key saves.

The Reds’ keeper was in fine form, keeping out efforts from Fran Kirby, Eniola Aluko and Karen Carney.

“Obviously Siobhan is an international and you would hope she would make those kinds of saves that were from distance,” said Rogers.

“She played well and she dealt with them but you expect her to make those saves. The girls were all fantastic and have been really positive this week.”

Liverpool have already turned their attentions to Wednesday’s Continental Tyres Cup match against Sheffield FC Ladies.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 12, 2016: Liverpool Ladies manager Scott Rogers arrives on the red carpet for the Liverpool FC Players' Awards Dinner 2016 at the Liverpool Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Despite being favourites to win, Rogers still expects a strong contest from the WSL 2 side and described them as the “most underrated side in the top two leagues.”

“It will be an extremely tough game,” said Rogers.

“I know how they will set up because I know the team and the manager well. They will come here to defend but they have some strong players who are capable of playing in WSL 1 so it won’t be easy.

“Games in the cup are an opportunity to take your mind off the league but it’s not a case of us avoiding the league.

“I don’t think the league table will really start to take shape until after Christmas and two out of our first three games we have played well.

“Unfortunately the game against Reading didn’t go our way but we’re still feeling very positive.”

He continued, “they have some strong midfielders. Carla Ward is a standout player for them and Ellie Gilliatt is a technical player for them at left-back.

“They have some good wingers too in Katie Anderson and Chloe Dixon. They are young and fearless—that can sometimes help.

“I think Sheffield are probably the most underrated team across both leagues. They have a great blend of youth and experience.

“It will be a challenge but we are looking forward to it.”

Liverpool Ladies take on Sheffield FC Ladies at the Select Security Stadium at 7pm on Wednesday evening.

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