Liverpool manager Vicky Jepson admitted that Durham ‘weathered the storm’ as The Wildcats went on to record a 2-0 victory over her side at Maiden Castle in the FA Women’s Championship earlier today.
The Reds enjoyed the majority of the ball in the North East and created more in attack but were beaten by a well-organised Durham outfit who ultimately defended resolutely throughout and scored a couple of excellent goals.
When speaking to FA Women’s Super League Full-Time after the match, a disappointed Jepson admitted that Durham had soaked up the Liverpool pressure really well before winning the game by dealing out a couple of killer blows.
“We started the game really well but I thought Durham weathered the storm extremely well” said Jepson.
“Goals change games and their first goal certainly changed the game for them.
“Durham were incredible in the way that they fought and they showed real determination and grit to control their lead at 1-0.
“We had chances to make it 1-1 early in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net and it was an incredible second goal which Durham scored.
“I’m disappointed. We didn’t have enough today, we didn’t create enough.”
Liverpool have a mountain to climb during the second half of the season with Jepson’s side now five points adrift of league leaders Leicester City. Jepson and her side have learnt plenty about the league in the opening 11 games and she believes that the club know what to expect in 2021.
She added “It’s scrappy, it’s not classy football like in the FA Women’s Super League but there are some very good teams in the Championship.
“I think that Durham are one of the most established teams in the league, they don’t always play the prettiest of football but that second goal was incredible.
“The Championship has got stronger and stronger but we didn’t want to be here and we are still disappointed that The FA put us here.
“That is something that we have to deal with. We have to concentrate on ourselves, get everybody back fit and focus on the New Year.”
Liverpool return to action on Sunday 10 January 2021 when London Bees are the visitors to Prenton Park.