Liverpool manager Matt Beard was left frustrated after Leighanne Robe’s second half goal was disallowed during a 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park last night.
Gabby George’s looping effort gave the hosts the lead, but Liverpool quickly levelled matters through Katie Stengel. The remaining 55 minutes saw The Reds take control and they seemed to score a perfectly legitimate goal through Robe early in the second half, but the referee disallowed the goal for an infringement, a bizarre decision.
After a slow start to the game, the match developed into a thoroughly enjoyable battle. The contest had everything; tough tackles, goalmouth action, excellent saves and plenty of controversy.
When speaking in the post-match press conference, Liverpool boss Beard said that it was an excellent advert for the women’s elite game.
“It was a great advert for women’s football, so credit to Everton and credit to us because I thought it was a fantastic game,” Beard said. “The form goes out of the window for these types of games and it comes down to the passion of the derby.
“I felt that second half, we stopped them playing, we did excellent in the press. I’m frustrated because I’ve seen the disallowed goal and it should have stood.
“On the chances that we created, we should have won the game, but I’m pleased with another point on the board. It’s tough to come away and pick points up, so it’s another step in the right direction.”
Going on to discuss the disallowed goal, Beard said that there was absolutely no doubt that Robe’s effort should have stood.
He said “She hasn’t impeded her, she’s stood in front of her with her arms out and she hasn’t touched her. Courtney’s (Brosnan) tried to get through her, so if anything, it’s not a foul on my player or the goalkeeper.
“I’ve not spoken with the officials, but I’ve been told that all three of them thought it was a foul. I’ve watched it back on Sky and it 100 percent should have stood.”
The result leaves both sides in the same positions in the Barclays Women’s Super League table. Everton occupy sixth position while Liverpool are in eighth place.
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