Lincoln Loss For Ladies

Two preventable set-piece goals meant Liverpool left Sincil Bank with nothing after a highly entertaining game in front of the ESPN cameras on Saturday.

Despite first-half goals from Katie Brusell and Nicky Twohig, Robbie Johnson's side were unable to build on last week's first WSL victory as they were twice denied by the woodwork in a 4-2 defeat to Lincoln.

The cagey opening to the game replicated the even nature of the reverse fixture at Skelmersdale in May, which Lincoln won thanks to a late Lucy Staniforth goal.

The first chance was created by Liverpool captain Vicky Jones, whose cross was spilled by Imps goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs. Kelly Jones was first to latch onto the loose ball, but despite getting plenty of power behind her shot, Hobbs was able to block.

In terms of possession, the Reds were firmly on top, and they made that advantage count after 13 minutes. Chloe Jones swung a probing free-kick towards the back post, where Twohig rose highest and was able to guide her header into the unguarded net.

Neat play between Sue Smith and Jess Clarke created the home side's first half-chance midway through the first period, but Reds goalkeeper Dani Gibbons was more than equal to Clarke's cross.

Gibbons was more severely tested a minute later, but a fine double save saw her first deny Jodie Taylor from close range, then stop Clarke's angled drive, which was heading for the bottom corner.

Another Chloe Jones delivery caused chaos in the Lincoln box on the half hour. Hobbs again failed to gather, and Emma Jones saw her hooked shot cleared off the line. Suzanne Lappin then set up Nicki Harding, whose 18-yard drive cannoned back off the crossbar.

Lincoln immediately capitalised on their lucky break as a Sue Smith corner beat everyone and nestled in the Liverpool net. One of either Leandra Little or Vicky Jones may have got the final touch, but the goal was credited to England winger Smith.

The visiting captain needed treatment after the goal, but thankfully was back on her feet within minutes.

Another Smith corner then caused more problems for Liverpool. A deeper delivery found Little, whose header back into the danger zone caused panic until the referee adjudged that Gibbons was being fouled as she tried to claim the ball.

Both teams could have then taken the lead after 39 minutes, as the game became more stretched. First, Lynda Shepherd came close to restoring Liverpool's advantage when she fired just over from 20 yards.

Lincoln then counter-attacked and Smith, who was proving a constant menace, floated over a cross that Clarke headed over.

That was only a temporary respite for the Reds though, as they fell behind on 40 minutes.

A corner from the left was half cleared as far as Little, and when her shot was blocked on the line by Vicky Jones, England vice-captain Casey Stoney was at hand to turn home the rebound.

That lead lasted all of two minutes as an entertaining first half took yet another twist. Harding dispossessed her marker before driving forward and laying the ball off to Brusell.

With plenty still to do, Brusell outpaced two Imps defenders before hitting a shot that found Hobbs' top corner, possibly via a deflection - Brusell's first WSL goal.

The home side could still have taken a lead into the break had Taylor's close range header from Clarke's looping cross not dropped the other side of the post, but as it was, a dramatic first 45 minutes ended all square.

As with the first half, the second 45 minutes started in scrappy fashion, but when the first chance arrived, it was for the home side.

Taylor was clean through down the right flank, but instead of shooting she chose to square the ball to the onrushing Smith. However, Sam Chappell just got enough on the ball to put Smith off, and the experienced winger lifted her shot over the bar.

Cheryl Foster then replaced Harding for the Reds, but Lincoln kept up their early momentum. Smith and Clarke again proved the main threats as a move ended with Staniforth firing at Gibbons. Twohig then had to be alert to deny Smith with a perfectly timed sliding tackle, before a Smith corner proved Liverpool's downfall again.

This time she floated her delivery into the near post, and a jumping Vicky Jones could only head into her own net via the underside of the bar.

On the hour, Chloe Jones made way for Michelle Evans, and, after taking over set piece duties, Evans caught Hobbs out with an inswinging corner that the goalkeeper managed to gather at the second attempt.

However, Lincoln were still on top and Clarke's trickery almost created a fourth goal midway through the half. She beat Vicky Jones on the right wing before firing in a low cross that was cleared over the bar - and over the stand - by Evans.

Gibbons then had to be brave to deny the home side again, as she just beat Megan Harris to claim a Clarke knock-down in the six yard box.

On 76 minutes, Lincoln did extend their advantage. Staniforth's low cross was met by a diving Little, and when her header struck the foot of the post, Clarke was able to turn in the rebound and claim the goal that her performance merited.

Liverpool almost responded immediately through more hesitant goalkeeping by Hobbs. Evans' free kick evaded the keeper's gloves and bounced just wide of the far post.

Kelly Jones's close-range effort was then deflected over as the Reds pushed for a deficit-halving third, and they were incredibly unfortunate not to get it with ten minutes remaining.

Evans managed to hook a half volley goalwards, but her shot hit the bar and bounced down onto the line, with Brusell's follow up being cleared.

Gibbons then saved from Little and Smith as Lincoln were able to expose the gaps in the Reds defence with the clock ticking down.

Substitute Gemma Watson, Brusell and Twohig all had half chances for Liverpool as the game entered stoppage time, but they finished on the losing side as the Imps were able to close the game out and pick up their second triumph over Liverpool this season.

Liverpool remain bottom going into the season's final fixture - a home tie with title-chasing Arsenal.