England striker Ellen White admits it was vital for Notts County to get back to winning ways this weekend after helping down reigning FA WSL 1 champions Liverpool.
Notts were on the end of a 2-1 defeat themselves against Sunderland prior to their trip to the Select Security Stadium and Ellen White, who starred for England at the World Cup in Canada last month, says the three points were much-needed.
“Coming off the back of a loss against Sunderland, this was a massive game for us,” said Ellen White, whose side moved five points clear of Liverpool in the FA Women’s Super League with BT Sportstandings. We wanted to come to Liverpool and make a big performance and get those three points as that’s what we needed.”
“Liverpool have just beaten Arsenal so their confidence is really high, so we are really pleased to get the win. We came out all guns blazing; enthusiastic, energetic and really hard-working, and put as much pressure as possible on their back line and I thought we reaped the rewards of that.”
The visitors were rewarded for their bright start on six minutes when Clarke turned in Ellen White’s centre from Alex Greenwood’s deep free-kick.
Liverpool grew into the match and Rosie White opened her account from close range after Natasha Dowie’s initial shot had been blocked on the line. Dowie then tried a speculative long-range effort with the bounce almost deceiving County keeper Siobhan Chamberlain who was forced to tip over.
Both sides had great chances on the stroke of half-time, first Chamberlain denied Asisat Oshoala before Rachel Williams’ header struck the base of the post.
After the break Ellen White broke the offside trap and unselfishly squared for Clarke to power home her fourth of the season before being forced off injured.
Ellen White had two great chances to secure the points but her header flew just wide before Libby Stout smothered her shot late on.
“It was good to get the first game under my belt,” said New Zealand striker Rosie White, who joined Liverpool earlier this month. “I’m not completely happy with the performance but it was good to get it behind me so now I can just get on with the season. It was good to get a goal too in my second game so I’m happy with that. I can’t believe I’ve only been here for two weeks but it’s been really good and I’m enjoying it so far.”
“My teammates are a bunch of really cool girls, there are lots of characters and they’ve been really welcoming letting me come in to join the group and instantly feel a part of things. The standard is pretty high, it’s really physical, especially today, that was one of the most physical games I’ve played in for a while. Because of the standard in the league I think I’ll get a lot fitter, a lot faster and just a lot better overall while playing here.”
Liverpool Ladies FC Goal Scorers: White
Notts County Ladies FC Goal Scorers: Clarke 5′, 47′
Report courtesy of Notts County Ladies FC
