Matthew Appleby was at Prenton Park to capture all the action from an important North-West derby in front of a record crowd for Liverpool at the venue (28/5/23).
Above: Alessia Russo (white shirt) looks to break through for Manchester United yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United ended their greatest season with a win, but it was ultimately not enough to secure a maiden WSL title due to events some 204 miles to the south.
Chelsea’s comfortable 3-0 win at Reading was enough for Emma Hayes’ side to secure a fourth straight title, but United have so much to be proud of this season. A first FA Cup Final, WSL runners-up, and qualification for their Champions League debut next season.
Liverpool had the first major chance with Dutch international Shanice van de Sanden’s cross almost going in. Emma Koivisto also drew a fine save from Mary Earps in the United goal.
The only goal of the game came from substitute Lucia Garcia – who scored her second big goal in as many weeks after securing victory in last weekend’s Manchester derby on 72 minutes.
Liverpool also need to take great pride from their first season back in the WSL. Matt Beard has constructed a tough side to beat. A seventh-placed finish with six wins – two of which came against the big duo of Chelsea and Manchester City, and five draws.
Matthew Appleby’s photo gallery for Impetus from Prenton Park:
Teams: LIVERPOOL (3-4-1-2): Laws, Fahey, Bonner, Matthews, Koivisto, Nagano, Kearns, Hinds, Holland, van de Sanden, Stengel. Substitutes used: Dowie (for van de Sanden 66′), Roberts (for Fahey 66′), Humphrey (for Kearns 75′), Robe (for Koivisto 75′), Daniels (for Hinds 86′).
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Boe Risa, Zelem, Parris, Toone, Galton, Russo. Substitutes used: Garcia (for Parris 69′), Williams (for Toone 70′), Thomas (for Galton 75′), Naalsund (for Russo 87′).
Scorer: Garcia 72′.
Referee: Stacey Fullicks.
Attendance: 5,778.
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