NewsLFC Women U21s reach final of Liverpool County FA Senior Cup

The young Reds, who are based at the AXA Melwood Training Centre alongside Matt Beard’s senior team, secured their place in the showpiece after a dramatic 5-4 victory last weekend.

Trailing Liverpool Feds 4-2 at one stage, striker Charlie Chadwick grabbed an equaliser six minutes into stoppage time and then scored a stunning winner with 98 minutes on the clock at Jericho Lane.

It left the youngster with a remarkable four-goal haul in the match, with Maddy Duffy the Reds’ other scorer.

Victory means the team will face Mossley Hill Athletic Ladies in the final of the LCFA tournament after they defeated Litherland REMYCA Women in the other semi-final.

Simon O’Neill, head coach of LFC Women’s Pro Game Academy, said: “We didn’t start very well. We were playing the occasion rather than the game, which was understandable because we had a lot of first-years playing against a tier-three senior women’s side.

“First half, we struggled but were still in the game at 3-2 behind at half-time. Then we conceded from a free-kick early in the second half, which can happen against a more physical side.

“But we started to pass the ball much better, which gave us some belief. We started to press higher and we were getting some success at that.

“At 4-2 down, you’re looking for a spark and obviously Maddy Duffy with a goal and Charlie with four were a threat all game.

“For a youth player to go up against a tier-three side and score four is pretty good and shows to me that she belongs at a higher level, in my opinion.

“It’s massive because we lost in the final to them last year but we’re a better side now, we’ve matured.

“It’ll be a tough and physical final but we can certainly win it.”

The date and venue for the final will be announced in due course.