Match reportOlsson and Kapocs strike as Liverpool win WSL Merseyside derby at Anfield

Gareth Taylor’s team were worthy victors on the afternoon and could have scored more in between the early and late goals they did.

Beata Olsson put them ahead with a clinical header just four minutes in and Cornelia Kapocs confirmed three points near the end.

Liverpool threatened from the off as Vivien Endemann attacked the byline and sent in a near-post cross that Olsson was primed to meet until Naomi Layzell landed a saving block tackle.

And from the resulting corner delivery into a similar area, Olsson perfectly guided a header across the goal and into the far side of the net.

The Blues’ attempted response included Ornella Vignola heading a bouncing ball too high when Khiara Keating mishandled a cross.

Kapocs went close with a strike from the edge of the box, while Layzell hooked fairly wide after an Everton corner kick was not cleared.

At the half-hour mark, Olsson almost doubled the Liverpool lead with another header.

This time the Swede rose well to connect with Natalia Ramos’ free-kick swept into the penalty area, only for goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan to make a diving stop.

Chances continued to flow and the next saw the visitors work Hannah Cain into space inside the box for a hit that she got too much on and flew over the crossbar.

In the final real threat of the first half, Brosnan foiled Endemann in a one-on-one as the Reds’ No.9 ran through to meet a long kick forward by Keating.

Liverpool crafted the opening chance of the second half, too.

A deep set-piece delivered to the left side of the area was redirected into the middle by Jenna Clark and Endemann met it with a first-time volley that thudded off the bar.

A Ramos effort from 20 yards was deflected into the Kop as Taylor’s side kept up a confident, controlled performance.

They did, though, need captain Grace Fisk to produce an important tackle in the box that prevented Zara Kramzar finishing off an Everton counter-attack.

There were soon even more admirable heroics at the other end.

A cutback from the left flank bobbled kindly into the path of an unmarked Ramos, whose measured strike was blocked by Layzell.

Liverpool’s No.6 then side-footed over the target from a similar central position having been picked out by Alejandra Bernabe from the wing.

Ruby Mace cleared off the line – and away from Ramos – when Kapocs diverted Fuka Nagano’s ping into the area past Brosnan via her shoulder.

Another Ramos chance was denied, on this occasion her attempt being deflected the wrong side of the post after an Olsson set-up.

Keating had to palm away a blast from Blues substitute Holly McNamara in the latter stages, but the Reds finally put the contest to bed in minute 86.

Everton failed to clear Alice Bergstrom’s low cross and Kapocs ultimately pounced, tucking in the loose ball on the turn to ensure derby delight for Liverpool.

Team

Liverpool: Keating, Kerr, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe, Nagano, Ramos (Trueman, 90+2), Maclean (Höbinger, 62), Endemann (Bergstrom, 76), Kapocs, Olsson.

Unused subs: Kirby, Roman H., Enderby, Woodham, Csillag, Shaw.

Next up

Liverpool are back in Subway Players Cup action on Wednesday (September 30), visiting Birmingham City.

Kick-off at St Andrew’s is 7pm BST.

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