LFC WOMEN
Charles revelling in the chance to step out on the hallowed turf. In
the lead-up to the game she had posted pictures on social-media of
herself on the Anield ground tour as a child. Now she threatened to
give the Reds an early advantage on several occasions, while fellow
wide player Melissa Lawley also came close to doing so.
But it was Kirsty Linnett, the attacker playing in the no10 role, who
was nearest of all to breaking the deadlock. Her header looked for
all the world like inding the net at the Anield Road end only for
Everton’s Finnish international goalkeeper Tinji-Riikka Korpela to
make a stunning reactions save.
Preuss, the Reds’ Standard Chartered player of the month for
September, has been in ine form this season so it was heartbreaking
for the German to be culpable for what proved to be the only goal of
an engaging ixture.
Everton captain Lucy Graham took a speculative shot from
outside the area, later admitting she was well-aware of the fact the
game was well into its one minute of added-time at the end of the
irst half. It was the only time Preuss had really been called upon
and it presented what would normally have been a routine save
for someone of her ability. However, the ball somehow evaded her
clutches and span behind her before crawling over the line.
It was a cruel blow for the Reds and as the half-time whistle
shrilled seconds later, Liverpool FC Women’s goalkeeper coach
Jennifer Herst was soon onto the pitch to console the Reds no1.
Former men’s goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, at the game as part of
the LFCTV team, worked with Preuss during his time on the club’s
management and coaching staf last season and felt her pain. “I know
how good a keeper she is and she’ll be hurting,” he said. “But she’s a
strong girl and I’m sure she’ll bounce back.”
With manager Vicky Jepson’s team talk ringing in their ears, the
Reds relished kicking towards the Kop after the re-start and were
roared on with added vigour every time they pushed forwards.
The introduction of tricky attacker Rinsola Babajide as a substitute
for the inal half-hour also gave the Reds added impetus as she
caused all sorts of problems for the Everton defence.
Charles saw a shot blocked and then dragged another presentable