West’s 5th consecutive away game saw us head to Toxteth to take on top of the table Merseyrail Ladies.

We made several changes from the previous weekend and were able to hand a full debut to Chyna Jasper.

It was a bitterly cold day and conditions underfoot were difficult for both teams, as perfectly demonstrated in the 9th minute when a clearance held up on the snowy surface enabled Merseyrail to shoot from distance. Biff had spotted the danger and recovered well only to lose her footing on the slippery surface and inadvertently handle the ball – a penalty was awarded and converted. 1-0

Both sides continued to probe but very little was created other than one excellent diving save by Claire tipping a goal bound shot around the post.

West lost Ellie Caddick to injury on 30 minutes being replaced by Jami Hodges.

On 40 minutes the ball appeared to have gone out of play before there was contact from the West defender, however it was deemed to be in play and the foul resulted in another penalty and goal. 2-0

West battled to make up lost ground and Taylor had a couple of shots saved before Biff forced the keeper to spill her free kick but West were called offside as they attempted to score the rebound.

HT: 2-0

Early in the second half Sophie Sumner had to be replaced by Bianca Blöchl as she had suddenly become faint. Thankfully after visiting A&E she is ok.

Second half was much like the first and West put in a performance to be rightly proud of against one of the title favourites.

Final action of the half was another Biff free kick being tipped over the bar.

This type of performance bodes well for the remainder of the season.

FT: 2-0

Team: Jefferson (GK), Caddick (Hodges 30’), Livesey, Mason, Bowett-Robinson, Edmondson, Bracegirdle, Sumner (Blöchl 50’), Kerr, Jasper, Gunn