Reds Fall Short In FA Cup Semi-Final

Credit: @liverpoolfcw | Instagram

Gareth Taylor’s side crashed out of the FA Cup, after a last minute dagger by Nadine Noordam sent the Seagulls through into the final.

Coming into the game there was a lot of hope and anticipation,  as Brighton had failed to beat Liverpool in their previous eight attempts. This season both results ended in a draw, so everything was on the line. 

First Half Summary:

It was the perfect start for the home team, Ceri Holland on the left hand-side clipped a well executed ball into the Brighton Box, Denise O’Sullivan was the sharpest in the penalty area to head the ball past the keeper to give Liverpool the lead inside 10 minutes. The Reds started the game with so much intensity, dominating the ball and pressing with real intent. It looked like Liverpool were really up for this massive semi-final grudge match. 

Their dominance was rewarded with a second goal on the 22 minute mark, the away side struggled to clear their lines, Beata Olsson was the sharpest in the box as she reacted well to the rebound and fired a fantastic finish into the top right corner.  With Gareth Taylor’s ladies in a 2-0 lead at home, it was starting to look like his team was going to run away into the Wembley sunset. 

Brighton quickly stopped any chances of that happening, two minutes after going two behind, completely against the run of play, a corner whipped in was poorly cleared by Liverpool and the ball fell kindly to Manuela Vanegas who finished her opportunity well.

Second Half Summary:

Brighton came out for the second half with ambitions to mount a huge comeback, some early chances for both teams saw no goals scored in the opening few minutes. 

Until the Seagulls found their desired equaliser 10 minutes after the break, some brilliant work on the right from Kiko Seike, driving at the defender a clipping it into the back post, where Madison Haley rose highest to head it home. 

Both sides had plenty of opportunities to go in front, Brighton hitting the post and Liverpool failing to capitalise on a couple of errors at the back. 

The last action of the game the away side whipped in a free kick from the left, once again the home team could not get the ball out the danger area, and Nadine Noordam was there to fire the ball excellently into the top corner, breaking Liverpool hearts and sending the Seagulls to Wembley.

Evaluation:

A result that now brings an end to a magnificent cup run for Gareth Taylor’s side, and now means they have only  one game left of the 25/26 season. 

A disappointing outcome for sure, especially after going 2-0 up at home but it was not to be for the Reds.  Brighton have been on a brilliant run of form recently, so there is no surprise in seeing their surge back into the game. 

A year of many ups and downs for Liverpool, but a positive feeling all round, a brilliant cup run and status secured in the WSL for next season. From where the club was in December that is definitely something to build on for next season. The Reds play Arsenal in the final game of the season on Saturday.