Despite starting strongly and taking the lead early on, an injury to Captain Vicky Jones took its toll on the side, and the Reds found themselves conceding two quick goals in succession on two separate occasions.
A superb long range volley from Chloe Jones found itself finding the back of the Birmingham net via the crossbar to give her side the lead just four minutes in.
However Liverpool’s bright start was dampened when captain Vicky Jones had to be stretchered of following a collision with debutant goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill after a brave defensive clearance. An ambulance was called as a precaution and the skipper was taken to hospital.
Caroline Charlton came on in her place, and Samantha Chappell took over the armband.
The Reds’ resumed sharply after the 11-minute delay, with Michelle Evens forcing Marie Hourihan to tip round the post from her curling free-kick.
Kelly Jones had the chance to double Liverpool’s lead after some smart build up play from Chappell and Lillie Billson, but she fired her close-range effort just over.
Birmingham then shifted their play up a gear and found themselves in the lead within the space of 3 minutes , thanks to two from Rachel Williams. Her first was a composed finish into the bottom corner of Quantrill’s goal, and the second a well-placed header from a long cross in from Eniola Aluko.
Jodie Taylor had the chance to extend her side’s lead further after a save from Quantrill landed at her feet. However she could only put wide leaving the open goal gaping.
Hannah Keryakoplis generated herself some time on the edge of the box following a fantastically executed turn past a couple of defenders, but her long-ranged effort was saved by the City Stopper.
Liverpool had the first chance of the second half, when a through ball from Chappell found Vicky Jones. She was quickly closed down by the on-rushing Hourihan ,who squandered her effort.
Birmingham City made the score 3-1 30 minutes from time when Jodie Taylor curled into top corner from the edge of the Liverpool box. Again they added another goal in quick succession when Aluko tapped in after some unconvincing play in the Liverpool area.
Rachel Williams secured the match ball as her own when she completed her hat-trick with a header on the 78th minute, making it five for the visitors.
Michelle Evans’ fantastic free-kicks were finally capitalised on late in the second half, when Kelly Jones headed home from a long-range delivery, but the tie was too far gone to spark a late Liverpool comeback.
Final Score: Liverpool Ladies 2-5 Birmingham City Ladies.
By Mitch Francis
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