Match reportLFC Women lose 1-0 to Aston Villa in behind-closed-doors friendly

A second-half goal from Ebony Salmon was the difference between the sides on Saturday as the Reds build up to the 2024-25 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.

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Matt Beard named new signings Gemma Evans and Cornelia Kapocs in his starting line-up and the first sight of goal came for the hosts, with Mia Enderby using her pace to fine effect on the left before cutting in for a shot that was blocked by a defender.

Villa responded with a Jordan Nobbs pass over the top, headed away by Yana Daniels but collected for a shot by Rachel Daly, but she did not worry Rachael Laws with her effort.

Daniels was in action again a short time later, heading over a fine out-swinging corner from Marie Höbinger. The Austria international’s set-piece delivery was in evidence again 10 minutes later after Enderby was brought down for a free-kick.

Höbinger found Sofie Lundgaard in the box but her flicked header was safely gathered by the Villa goalkeeper.

Missy Bo Kearns was back at Melwood for the first time since her recent move to Villa and tried to mark her return with a goal, firing wide after Kirsty Hanson had won possession on the left.

Olivia Smith has already made an impact for the Reds in pre-season since her summer arrival and almost grabbed another goal just before the break.

Höbinger’s clever pass split the full-back and centre-back, allowing the Canada international to advance and fire a ferocious shot in on goal, stinging the palms of the goalkeeper.

Zara Shaw replaced Kapocs as planned at the break but it was the visitors who offered the first threat of the second half.

A loose backpass was intercepted by Hanson but she curled her shot wide of Laws’ far post.

The game’s decisive moment arrived eight minutes into the second period when Kearns saw a shot blocked with Salmon on hand to follow up and fire past Laws.

Beard’s side went in search of an equaliser and a deep free-kick from Smith narrowly evaded debutant Evans at the back post, after taking a slight flick off the head of Lucy Staniforth.

However, after Enderby was denied a penalty amid strong appeals, the friendly finished 1-0 to the visitors.

Liverpool’s next pre-season match sees them travel to Manchester United next Sunday.