Liverpool Women collect first win of the season with 5-1 thrashing of Coventry

October 20, 2019
Jack Lusby

Liverpool FC Women finally picked up their first win of the season, thrashing Coventry City 5-1 on Sunday.

Coventry United 1-5 Liverpool FC Women

WSL Cup, Butts Park Arena
October 20, 2019

Goals: Axten 8′; Charles 3′, Linnett 5′, 30′, 45′, Clarke 67′

Without a win from their opening five games in all competitions, having lost four and drawn one, Vicky Jepson’s side produced a resounding victory against the Sky Blues in the Women’s Super League Cup.

A first-half hat-trick from striker Kirsty Linnett put the Reds in control at the break, leading 4-1 after Niamh Charles had opened the scoring early on.

The breakthrough arrived with just three minutes on the clock after Charles nodded home from Linett’s pinpoint corner delivery, a goal which saw the Reds open the scoring for just the second time this season.

And it was not long before Jepson’s side struck once more as Linnett turned from provider to poacher after reacting first to Rinsola Babajide’s rebounded shot in an opening ten-minute spell which also saw the home side pull one back.

The Reds were fierce in attack against the Championship outfit as Linnett rounded off the half with three goals and an assist to her name after first heading beyond the ‘keeper before converting from the penalty spot at the cusp of half-time.

After a blistering first half, the second term only saw one more added to Liverpool’s tally when Jess Clarke powerfully found the roof of the net with over an hour on the clock, marking her 50th appearance for the club in style.

The Reds had an abundance of chances to heap more misery on the hosts throughout the half, with Coventry having a player sent off and Clarke being denied her second with a good save.

But crucially Jepson and her side will have received a major boost in confidence after securing their first win of the season.

TIA Woman of the Match: Kirsty Linnett

LFC Women: Kitching; Jane, Bradley-Auckland, Robe, Purfield; Clarke (Sweetman-Kirk 83′), Bailey, Hodson; Linnett, Charles (Murray 46′), Babajide

Subs not used: Preuss, Roberts, Rodgers, Lawley

Next Match: Birmingham (A) – WSL – Sunday, October 27, 2pm (GMT)