Liverpool Ladies FC v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Liverpool Ladies O8

vs Doncaster

Rovers Belles

FA Women’s Super League Wednesday 4th September 2013 Kick off 7.45pm

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Manager’s notes Latest news Captain’s column Meet the squad Doncaster Rovers Belles Tweets of the week Match report - Birmingham City LFC Foundation Match report - Doncaster Rovers Nicole Rolser interview Puzzle pages Match report - Chelsea In My Life - Sarah Gregorius Facts and stats Today’s teams

Follow the Ladies at: Web

www.liverpoolladiesfc.com ​Liverpool Ladies – FA WSL Team @LFCLadies

Club Contacts: Secretary Colin Charlton charltoncolin7@hotmail.co.uk

Marketing Pam Brown pam.brown@liverpoolfc.com

Programme editorial ProgrammeMaster liverpoolladies@programmemaster.com

Public Relations Dee Kundra dee.kundra@liverpoolfc.com

Centre of Excellence Kevin Quigley kevin.quigley@live.co.uk

Programme Design Andrew Dawson www.andrewdawson.tv

Liverpool Ladies F.C.

The FA WSL

3

ROAD TO CANADA!

v BELARUS

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP™ 2015 QUALIFIER

1pm, Saturday 21 September, AFC Bournemouth •£10 Family ticket •£5 Adults •£2.50 Concessions Group bookings available Call ticket hotline on: 0844 576 1910 Website: tickets.afcbdirect.co.uk/Online

Free interactive fan zone brought to you by Continental Tyres from 11:30am outside the stadium

MANAGER

MANAGER’S NOTES MATT BEARD

GOOD EVENING and welcome to Halton Stadium for tonight’s game against Doncaster Rovers Belles.

The fact that we won 9-0 at Donnie a few weeks ago will have some people assuming this contest should provide an easy three points. We won’t be thinking that way; to do so would be dangerous. For the majority of the 9-0 they had 10 players after Victoria Williams picked up an early red card.

There was also the fact that we were ruthless in front of goal and put away most of our opportunities. Everything went right for us and wrong for John Buckley’s team.

That happens in football.

They’ll be determined to achieve a different outcome this time. That will make our task much more difficult.

We’re expecting 90 minutes similar to Donnie’s last visit here; a Continental Cup game that we did well to win 1-0.

We go in to this contest on the back of four consecutive victories, the latest a 4-2 win at Birmingham on Sunday.

They are a physical side and we had to work hard from start to finish. Getting bodies behind the ball and pressing the opposition are very important strengths and I felt we did that really well.

We did it at 0-0 and we carried on doing it at 4-0. The only slight disappointment was conceding two goals. But you have to give credit to them for continuing to battle.

When they were putting balls in the box our goalkeeper Rachael Laws did really well.

Her command of the area took pressure off our defenders.

A special mention must go to Nicole Rolser too, who scored a hat-trick. She was a thorn in their side for the whole game. Her use of the ball was fantastic and the match-ball was well deserved.

She’s been a very good signing for us, who has worked hard to overcome the language barrier. Yesterday again proved her worth.

We have no away fixtures remaining now.

21 points from a possible 24 on the road is a decent record. Although we still feel it should have been eight wins, as the defeat at Chelsea shouldn’t have happened.

It leaves us with three home games, starting tonight. Right now we are top of the table, two points ahead of Arsenal who have a game in hand.

With them not playing until tomorrow we can temporarily increase the gap to five.

That’s our aim. Obviously the title is in their hands. But we want to put them under as much pressure as possible.

The best way to do that is by concentrating on ourselves and making sure we perform at our maximum this evening.

Thank you for your support, and enjoy the game.

Matt.

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

5

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NEWs

STRIKE A POSE! LIVERPOOL LADIES pair Gemma Bonner and Corina Schroder have turned their hand to a spot of modelling for the club’s new leisurewear range.

The collection launched on Monday online at www.liverpoolfc.com/store and in all official Liverpool FC Club Stores. A digital edition is also available to download.

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

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NEWs

YOUNGSTERS SHINE AS ENGLAND REACH U19S FINAL

LIVERPOOL LADIES duo Katie Zelem and Ellie Stewart helped England to the final of the 2013 UEFA Women’s U19s Championships in Wales.

The Liverpool Ladies pair were part of a successful campaign but the team fell at the final hurdle as two goals in extra-time gave France victory in Saturday’s final.

England, managed by former Everton coach Mo Marley, qualified from their group by following a goalless draw against France with 3-0 wins over Wales and Denmark, with Katie sealing the victory against the Danes with a goal in the final minute.

Katie also featured in the semi-final as England thrashed Finland 4-0 at Richmond Park, Carmarthen with Jess Sigsworth, from tonight’s visitors, among the scorers.

England then met France again in the final at Llanelli in front of a crowd of more than

1,000. After a goalless 90 minutes, headers from Sandie Toletti and Aminata Diallo gave France the trophy. Katie started the final with Ellie on the bench.

Katie tweeted a picture of her silver medal and added: “Starting to sink in what we have achieved, very proud of the team.”

Reds boss Matt Beard said: “Katie and Ellie have been training with us since the mid-season break. It’s brilliant to see them involved in that England squad. We were delighted for them, it’s unfortunate they couldn’t just go one step further in the tournament and win it.

“The experience they’ve gained from the few weeks away will stand them in good stead and aid their development. They are both good players and we’ll be glad to have them back in and around the group.”

LIONESSES HEAD TO THE DEN The FA have confirmed that Millwall FC’s home of The Den will stage England’s third FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015 qualifying match against Wales on Saturday 26 October (kick-off 7.05pm).

England will be aiming to make it to their third successive World Cup Finals in Canada 2015, at the expense of neighbours Wales, who themselves will be looking to qualify for their first World Cup. They have also been pitched alongside Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey and Montenegro in Group 6.

The game will be England’s third FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2015 Qualifying match as The Three Lions kick-off their qualifying campaign against Belarus at the Goldsands Stadium, home of AFC Bournemouth, on Saturday 21 September (1pm). This is followed shortly after by a game against Turkey at Fratton Park, Portsmouth on 26 September (kick Off 7:05pm).

Among the Liverpool Ladies players hoping to be involved in the qualifiers will be Fara Wiliams, Lucy Bronze, Gemma Bonner and Natasha Dowie. England will be under new management after Hope Powell left the post after 15 years in the role.

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Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

CApTAIN

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN GEMMA BONNER

HELLO and welcome to Halton Stadium for today’s game against Doncaster.

Including tonight’s match, there are three league games of the season remaining. Arsenal have one game in hand on us and we are aware that if they manage to secure all of the points in each of their fixtures, they will be champions. If they slip up, though, and we get the results that we need then we’ll lift the title.

It’s a cliché in football but all we can do is focus on ourselves and take each game as it comes.

The preparation and focus has to be right in every single training session as well as every match if we are to end up with what we want.

That approach certainly applies to tonight when we host Doncaster. Only a few weeks ago, we beat them 9-0. Obviously that gives us a lot of confidence.

But we are also aware that Doncaster only lost to Arsenal narrowly last weekend. Any team in this league can cause us problems. We never go into any game thinking the result is secure. Every match that remains is a cup final for us.

Our games over the last month or so have been chaotic. We’ve scored a lot of goals and conceded a few too. It’s brilliant that the players up front have been finding the net with ease but from a defensive point of view, it’s important we start keeping a few clean sheets.

As a defender, I’d love a nice 1-0 win every week.

Whatever happens now, it will have been a good season for us considering how new this team is.

If we manage to qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top two, it will be a major achievement.

It will give us a lot to look forward to.

Before I finish, I’d like to congratulate Ellie Stewart and Katie Zelem for their contributions towards England’s run to the final of Under-19s European Championships.

It was great to see them doing so well and hopefully they can bring their form back to Liverpool and help the team over the next few weeks.

Don’t forget you can keep up to date throughout the season by following us on Twitter @LFCladies.

Thank you all for your support and enjoy the match.

Gemma Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

9

FIRsT TIEAM sQUAD

MEET THE REDS...

1 Danielle Gibbons

2 Samantha Chappell

GOALKEEPER • 31/07/91 CHORLEY

DEFENDER • 24/03/92 WARRINGTON

The former Preston North End keeper signed from Preston in 2011. Has played for England at U-19 level.

Right-back who joined the Reds from Everton. She has represented England at U-19 level.

3 Whitney Engen

4 Fara Williams

5 Gemma Bonner

6 Lucy Bronze

DEFENDER • 28/11/87 TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA USA

MIDFIELDER • 25/01/84 LONDON

DEFENDER • 13/07/91 LEEDS

DEFENDER • 28/10/91 BERWICK UPON TWEED

Rated by boss Matt Beard as one of the best defenders in the world, Whitney is a USA international. Has previously played for various US clubs and Swedish side Tyreso FF.

Vastly experienced midfielder who has won more than 100 caps for England. After starting at Chelsea and Charlton, she spent a decade at Everton before joining the Reds in the winter.

Team captain and a commanding centre-back who played under Matt Beard at Chelsea after starting with hometown club Leeds United. She is also skipper of England U-23s.

A winter signing from Everton, Lucy is an England U-23 international who can play in either full-back role. Has also played for Sunderland and North Carolina Tar Heels.

7 KATE LONGHURST

8 Katrin Omarsdottir MIDFIELDER • 27/06/87 HAMBURG, GERMANY

9 Natasha Dowie

10 Louise Fors

FORWARD • 02/05/89 CHELMSFORD

Former Colchester, Watford and Millwall striker signed from Chelsea during the summer window. She has represented England at U15s, U17s, U19s and U23s.

Icelandic international, recruited this winter from Kristianstads DFF. She attended the University of California and has also played for US sides California Golden Bears and Orange County Waves.

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Liverpool Ladies

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FORWARD • 30/06/88 ABU DHABI, UAE

MIDFIELDER • 23/10/89 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

England striker who joined from Everton in November 2012. Has previously played with Watford, Fulham and Charlton.

Swedish international Louise joined from Western Sydney Wanderers in February. Played in Spain with Espanyol as well as Swedish sides Hammarby IF, AIK and Linkoping.

11 Nicole RoLSer

12 Becky Easton

13 Amanda Da Costa

14 ELLIE STEWART

MIDFIELDER • 07/02/92 OCHSENHAUSEN, GERMANY

DEFENDER • 16/04/74 BIRKENHEAD

DEFENDER / MIDFIELD • 07/10/89 SOMERS, NEW YORK, USA

DEFENDER • 02/11/96 ENGLAND

An Under-23 German international, Nicole is a pacy winger who has previously played for VfL Sindelfingen and SC 07 Bad Neuenahr.

An experienced defender who signed from Everton this winter.

Has also played for Doncaster Rovers Belles. Becky has won 44 senior England caps.

Versatile player, known for her work-rate and technical skills, Amanda joined the Reds from Boston Breakers. She has also played for US teams Washington Freedom and MagicJack.

Former Everton defender who joined the Reds during the summer window. She has represented England at U17s level and has been called up into recent U19s squads.

15 Jess Holbrook

17 Caroline Charlton

19 Corina Schroder

20 KATIE ZELEM

MIDFIELDER • 01/08/92 ASHTON UNDER LYNE

DEFENDER • 09/10/89 LIVERPOOL

DEFENDER • 15/08/86 DINGDEN, GERMANY

MIDFIELDER • 20/01/96 ENGLAND

An exciting player who signed from Leeds in February.

Has also played for Everton and appeared in UEFA Women’s Champions League games for the Blues.

A versatile defender who joined the club back in 2007 having previously played for Macclesfield Town. She lists scoring in front of the Kop as a career highlight.

A talented left-back who signed from SC 07 Bad Neuenahr. Her honours include winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the German League twice and the German Cup.

Teenager who joined the club during the summer after spending nine years with Manchester United Ladies.

Another England youth international.

21 SARAH GREGORIUS

22 Sophia Riccio

23 RACHAEL LAWS

24 Sarah Quantrill

FORWARD • 06/08.87 NEW ZEALAND

DEFENDER • 15/10/91 LIVERPOOL

GOALKEEPER • 05/11/90 HEBBURN

GOALKEEPER • 27/07/90 NORWICH

New Zealand international striker who joined during the summer from German club SC 07 Bad Neuenahr.

Has more than 40 caps for the ‘Football Ferns’.

A left-back or centre-back who has come through the club’s youth system. She was formerly reserve team captain before joining the senior squad last season.

England Under-23s goalkeeper who joined on an emergency loan from Sunderland Ladies before making the move permanent this summer.

A new signing this year, Sarah has previously appeared for Norwich City, Arsenal and Chelsea. She was an FA Women’s Cup winner with the Gunners in 2009.

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

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OPPOsITION

ALL ABOUT DONCASTER GET THE LOWDOWN ON TODAY’S OPPOSITION… DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES

THE CLUB was originally formed in 1969 as the Belle Vue Belles by young women who were selling draw tickets on the terraces at Doncaster Rovers.

They started out by playing local small-sided games

Home ground: Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Nickname: The Rovers, The Belles Captain: Leandra Little Manager: John Buckley Honours: FA Women’s Premier League winners: 1991/92, 1993/94 runners-up: 1992/93, 2002/03 FA Women’s Cup winners: 1983, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994 runners-up: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2002 FA Women’s Premier League Cup runners-up: 1994, 1996, 2009 FA Women’s Community Shield runners-up: 2001, 2003

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Liverpool Ladies

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but within a short period of time they found themselves venturing outside of Doncaster, where the Belle Vue part of the name had no meaning. In 1971 the club changed their name and became known as the Doncaster Belles.

Since then they have become a major face in the women’s game in this country.

In March 2009, Belles were named as one of the eight members of the inaugural FA Women’s Super League due to start in March 2011.

The club has finished seventh in each of the first two seasons of the Super League. Pre-season signings include ex-Red Cheryl Foster, defender Emma Thomson and goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs.

The team has been managed by ex-pro John Buckley since 2003. John made over 350 appearances for various clubs both sides of the border operating as a tricky winger in a career that took in Celtic, Partick Thistle, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe.

The Belles have had • Ex-Red a tough season so far Katie Brusell but recorded their first win of the season last Thursday as a goal from Prescot-born Sue Smith proved enough to defeat Lincoln Ladies.

They have had a couple of other Liverpool links this season. Ex-Red Cheryl Foster left the club this summer to focus on her teaching career but was replaced by another former Liverpool Ladies player in the no.9 shirt Katie Brusell.

VICTORIA WILLIAMS Nottingham-born defender who re-joined the club in August 2012 after a brief spell with Chelsea Ladies.

Tori originally joined Belles in 2009 from FA Tesco Premier League champs Arsenal. She had attended the Arsenal Academy and been a regular member of the Gunners championship-winning Reserve side for the previous two seasons.

She started her career as a junior with the Rovers Belles at Under 10s under Vicky Exley. She was a member of that successful team up to Under 14s before she moved on to Leeds United Ladies.

Whilst at Leeds, Tori was selected for the England U17 squad and went on to gain two caps for her country. She is tall, athletic and quick, and progressed to the England Under 23s squad in 2011.

TWO TO WATCH: MILLIE BRIGHT Millie joined the club from the Sheffield United Academy in the summer of 2009.

She was a prolific goalscorer coming through the Academy and will be looking for that to continue with the Belles.

The 20-year-old is a tall, powerful, athletic striker with an good eye for goal.

Millie made her first team debut when she was introduced off the bench in August 2009 against Watford at the Keepmoat Stadium.

The forward scored on her full senior debut in the 5-0 League Cup victory against Leeds City Vixens in September.

Her impressive form has since seen her selected for the England U19 squad.

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

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Search. Turn up. Play.

Girls, this one’s for you. No pressure – just a fun kickabout with your mates

To find out more,

search for ‘Just Play’ online.

TOP TWEETS

What they’ve been saying in the Twittersphere!

FOLLOW US @LFCLadies KATIE ZELEM @katiezel

Starting to sink in what we have achieved, very proud of the team #u19 #silvermedal #euros

WHITNEY ENGEN @whitneyengen

Worst part of coffee to go is the ten minute internal struggle of, “It smells so good! Feed me caffeine!”

And “Do I want taste buds today?”

LUCY BRONZE @LucyBronze

“@ADaCosta13Fan: Sorry girls, can’t make the game today #TWAL” not gonna lie I thought this was actually @ADacosta13 tweeting at first #Phew

MATT BEARD @mattbeard02

Congratulations to Mo Marley and England U19’s! #anotherfinal

AMANDA DACOSTA @ADacosta13

Stopping by Stratford to see my main man Billy Shakespeare before our game at Birmingham #killit #tobeornottobe

SARAH GREGORIUS @sarah_grego

Another biiig 3 points for #LLFC & a biiig Happy NZ Father’s Day! Odd taste in hats but still gotta love him.

FORMBY JUNIOR SPORTS CLUB @FJSCgirlsteam

ANITA HOUGHTON @Anita_Shorty_H

Girls are very excited to be mascots at @LFCladies game against @DoncasterBelles on Wednesday

GEMMA BONNER @gembon23

LOUISE FORS @LolloFors

Makin the 3hr trip home! Gr8 game

Another tough 3 points picked up yesterday, now looking forward to a day of activities at the @RicohArena with @JaguarAcademy #SportsAid

AMANDA DACOSTA @ADacosta13

Come on you REDDDSS! Men and women at the top of the league?

Get in! #LFC #winning

I love that my team mate @fara_williams47 always telling the ref that i cant speak english when i am in trouble. haha!

FARA WILLIAMS @fara_williams47

Good luck to all the u19 and Mo Marley who play in the euro final today against France #youcandothis

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

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MATCH REPORT

TREBLE TOPS – NICI ON SONG AS REDS STAY AT SUMMIT Birmingham City Ladies 2 - Liverpool Ladies 4 FA WSL • Sunday 1 September 2013

NICOLE ROLSER scored a hat-trick to keep the Reds top of the league.

Despite a spirited Birmingham fightback in the second half, it was the German who was the difference between the two sides at the DCS Stadium.

Despite the three goals, Rolser refused to take all the glory and says the most important thing was seeing her side come away with all three points.

She opened the scoring on 25 minutes latching on to Louise Fors’ deep cross to fire home from an acute angle. Fors then made it two with a superb 25-yard free kick, before Rolser completed her hat-trick either side of half time after two blistering runs on goal.

Manager Matt Beard was pleased with the overall performance and more importantly the result.

“Once we got the first goal it seemed to settle us down and we played some good stuff.

Our first goal was a great move and a good finish from Nicole, obviously the free kick was special but the most important thing was we won and it kept us top of the league.”

Birmingham rallied in the second half and came back into it. Seventeen-year-old Coral Haines came off the bench and scored within a minute.

Izzy Christiansen pulled another back midway through the second half after good work by Kirsty Linnett, but Liverpool held on for the win.

Liverpool: Laws; Bronze, Bonner (c), Engen, Schroder (Easton 81); Da Costa (Holbrook 85), Omarsdottier, Williams; Fors (Longhurst 75), Dowie, Rolser

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Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

17

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COMMUNITY

Making a difference

THE LAST FEW MONTHS have seen the Liverpool FC Foundation reaching out to more people than ever before at home and abroad, using the power of the LFC name to help change lives all over the world for the better.

Locally a men’s health trailer was launched over the summer providing free health and wellbeing advice to over 2,000 people, in conjunction with the Peoples Postcode Trust. Cookery and healthy eating classes were also delivered with the Salvation Army.

The Liverpool FC Foundation also launched a men’s health booklet offering simple and realistic steps to a healthier lifestyle, and 110 people – previously with low or sedentary levels of physical activity – took part in a Liverpool-to-Chester bike ride.

Elsewhere the summer saw matches, tournaments and coaching sessions organised for military veterans – with a five-a-side league and more events scheduled for mid-September through until Christmas 2013.

Dummy copy here a paragraph about Respect 4 All to be supplied. Dummy copy here a paragraph about Respect 4 All to be supplied. Dummy copy here a paragraph about Respect 4 All to be supplied.

Elsewhere the Liverpool FC Foundation was also integral to the club’s pre-season tour. While Mighty Red and helpers paid a special visit to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, there were Warrior soccer clinics at three local clubs –Middle Park FC, South Yarra FC and South Melbourne Women – attended by first-team players Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet, Andre Wisdom, Luis Alberto and Jay Spearing.

Fellow Reds Lucas, and Luis Suarez met the Reagan Millstein Foundation, and legends Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler delighted fans with a Q&A session at the city’s official LFC supporters club.

More events took place in Thailand where around 65 talented young players were coached by Robbie and Ian in conjunction with the country’s ministry for tourism and sport – and at the Bangkok School for the Blind a team from the Liverpool FC Foundation coached 40 students who were blind or partially sighted in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and Seeing Is Believing.

• Follow us on Twitter @LFCFoundation

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

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MATCH REPORT

REDS ON CLOUD NINE Doncaster Rovers Belles 0 - Liverpool Ladies 9

FA Women’s Super League • Saturday 24 August 2013

LIVERPOOL Ladies went on a scoring spree as the league leaders thrashed Doncaster Rovers Belles at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Matt Beard’s side ran out 9-0 winners, boosting their goal difference which could prove vital come the end of the season. Natasha Dowie hit a hat-trick to take her tally for the season to 15 as the Reds stayed top of the FA Women’s Super League.

Liverpool were 7-0 up at the break as Doncaster struggled after being reduced to 10 players after just six minutes.

Captain Gemma Bonner fired the Reds side into the lead after just three minutes after Amanda Da Costa had fired against the bar, and Louise Fors

made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after six minutes following the sending off of Victoria Williams.

Dowie then scored twice, including a penalty, before a Fara Williams double made it 6-0 on 37 minutes as Liverpool kept up attack after attack.

Dowie then completed her hat-trick five minutes before the break to put the Reds seven up.

Nicole Rolser made it 8-0 16 minutes from time, and Doncaster’s miserable night was completed in stoppage time when Kate Longhurst made it 9-0 with her first goal since signing this summer.

Liverpool: Laws; Bronze, Bonner (c), Engen, Schroder (Riccio 55); Fors (Gregorius 71), Williams, Omarsdottir, Rolser; Da Costa; Dowie (Longhurst 80)

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The FA WSL

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PLAYER FOCUs

NICOLE HAPPY TO HELP REDS SET THE PACE

FLYING WINGER Nicole Rolser has made quite an impact during her first season in the FA Women’s Super League.

As well as adding pace and width to the Liverpool line-up, the German ace has also shown a key eye for goal since settling into her role on the left-hand side of the pitch.

Starting with her goal in the 4-1 derby win at Everton back in early June, Nicole has now scored 10 in eight matches, including a first hat-trick in a Liverpool shirt in Sunday’s game at Birmingham City.

Her goals - and assists – have played a big part in helping Matt Beard’s side head into the final month of the season at the summit of the league table.

She admits that the team’s successes this season have come a little earlier than expected.

Speaking to the Liverpool Ladies programme in excellent English, she says: “At the beginning I didn’t think we would do so well because we are a new team. I thought maybe the second year would be better but I’m impressed that we have gelled quickly and we are competing so well. I think we have a good team with good players and that is the reason why we have been doing so well.

Matt has done a good job in assembling all the different type of players needed to excel as a team and we are all enjoying playing together.”

Nicole signed for the Reds back in November but her assimilation into the team was helped by the eve-of-season arrival of her compatriot and left-back Corina Schroder.

The pair played together in the women’s Bundesliga with SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and their friendship has helped each other settle.

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“We share the same house along with a couple of our other team-mates. I have enjoyed living in England and other than the language it isn’t too different to Germany.

But it was a bit easier for me when Coco arrived because at that time I couldn’t really speak English so that meant we were able to help each other out.

“From a playing point of view as well, it has been good that we know each other from our old club and so we know each other’s games quite well.”

In pre-season Matt Beard was excited at capturing Nicole’s signature and knew her pace was something his team would be able to exploit.

We finish the season with three home “games now and hopefully we can do well here in front of our fans and end the season as strongly as possible. ”

Back then he said: “Nicole’s a very exciting player and I’m looking forward to seeing how she does in her first year in this country.

“She is an out and out winger who is quick and works hard defensively as well. It will be interesting to see how other teams in this country are going to cope with her pace and how direct she is. She’s got great feet and is aggressive too.”

The Reds have utilised those qualities well.

Nicole is hoping that the 2013 campaign will have a silver lining but admits that qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League would be a fine achievement.

“I think for the first year our targets were to finish in the top two but I won’t say no if you ask me whether we want to win the league!

It would be nice to have the chance to play in European competition with this team.”

It has been a busy time for the 21-year-old, who hails from Ochsenhausen in southern Germany. As well as her footballing

commitments, she is studying for a qualification in business administration.

“I’m doing a distance learning course through a university in Germany.,” she explains. “They send me all the books and I am doing exams here in Liverpool. I manage to fit it in around training. Sometimes it’s hard to make the time but I think I am very focused!”

She has also been a key member of the class on the football pitch too. Prior to the Reds’ 9-0 win against tonight’s visitors 11 days ago, the Reds were involved in two nail-biting 4-3 wins. Nicole scored in front of the BT Sport cameras at Bristol Academy – “that was a funny goal, I really didn’t know too much about it!,” she says of her close-range header from a corner.

She then scored a dramatic winner against Chelsea in the last game here at Halton Stadium, netting with five minutes to go as Liverpool came from behind to triumph 4-3.

“We finish the season with three home games now and hopefully we can do well here in front of our fans and end the season as strongly as possible.”

Liverpool Ladies

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FUN TIME WITH

M L E R S S S C B H

E O N E O R M U R T

L N G S R O A N U R

E G L L V F I N S O

Z H A O I E L I E W

E U N R O S L N L S

I R D N H I I G L G

T S N B P U W H O I

A T A T S O C A D S

K E D P Q L T M O S

< REDS & BELLES Can you find the following 10 names in our match day word search?

BRUSELL ENGLAND SIGSWORTH CUNNINGHAM WILLIAMS KATIEZELEM ROLSER LONGHURST LOUISEFORS DACOSTA

Which one of our trio isn’t being completely honest?!

GEMMA “I joined Liverpool from Chelsea, where I previously played under Matt Beard” 24

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The FA WSL

FARA “I previously played for Chelsea, Charlton and Manchester City”

BECKY “I was once named Nationwide international Player of the Year”

THE NUMBERS GAME

Kate Longhurst

4 7

Former teams – Colchester United, Watford, Millwall and Chelsea Her Liverpool ladies squad number

1015 90210

Followers on Twitter

One of her favourite tv shows!

MIGHTY RED’S FIENDISH FIVE! 1 Which three ladies previously played for Chelsea?

2 What nationality is Louise Fors?

3 Which player was born in Abu Dhabi?

4 Which player attended the University of California, Berkeley?

5 Which two players are half Portuguese?

RED HERRING: Fara Williams. She previously played for Chelsea, Charlton and Everton not Manchester City. MIGHTY REDS FIENDISH FIVE: 1 Gemma Bonner, Fara Williams and Sarah Quantrill, 2. Swedish, 3. Natasha Dowie, 4. Katrin Omarsdottir, 5. Lucy Bronze and Amanda Da Costa.

HOW DID YOU DO? Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

25

MATCH REPORT

WE’RE GONNA WIN 4-3!

Liverpool Ladies 4 - Chelsea Ladies 3

FA Women’s Super League • Saturday 10 August 2013

LIVERPOOL Ladies produced a thrilling 4-3 win for the second successive week when they met Chelsea at Halton last month.

The Reds had stayed top of the table when they won by the odd goal in seven at Bristol Academy a week earlier and they repeated the dose with another thrilling finish against the Blues.

Such an ending had seemed unlikely when Chelsea raced into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes thanks to goals from Sofia Jakobson and Eniola Aluko.

But far Williams pulled one back from a free-kick to restore hope and Liverpool leveled when a Louise Fors corner was flicked on by captain Gemma Bonner for Nicole Rolser to equalise.

A dramatic finish saw Chelsea regain the lead when Becky Easton could only divert a Jakobsson cross into her own net. But again the Reds ralliied with Rolser’s driven cross being headed home by top scorer Dowie.

And with six minutes left the same pair combined again – this time Dowie turning provider for Rolser to net the winner and keep the Reds at the top if the FA WSL table.

“We don’t do things the easy way,” a relieved Reds’ manager Matt Beard said afterwards. “The goals we gave away were sloppy but I can’t fault the spirit we showed.

We never gave up and got what we deserved.”

Liverpool: Quantrill (Laws 45); Bronze, Engen, Bonner (c) (Easton 65), Schroder; Fors (Longhurst 79), Omarsdottir, Williams, Da Costa, Rolser; Dowie

26

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

REPORT IT! Facebook/kickitoutofficial @kickitout info@kickitout.org 0800 169 9414 From August 2013 you can report using the Kick It Out app. Download it today.

kickitout.org

PLAYER FOCUs

IN MY LIFE SARAH GREGORIUS

Because football isn’t the number 1 sport in New Zealand, you had to look abroad. My uncle used to like the French team – the way they played. So I grew up watching Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane.

In other sports, there are lots of people to choose from. Maybe I’ll go for Valerie Adams, an Olympic gold medals in athletics.

That’s a tough question to answer. But the two goals that stick out were in the World Cup in 2011 against England. It was my first major tournament and my first goal at a major tournament. After that, I scored a goal against Cameroon in the Olympics.

They were special moments even though they weren’t spectacular goals.

I don’t really care. With New Zealand, I’m number 10. The most important thing is that I’m in the team.

I’ve had tonnes over the years. When I was young and in school, my mum owned childcare centres. So I’d go there after school. I was terrible at it, though. I’m not good with young children. T hey cried a lot and I don’t think I helped!

Easy one, English.

28

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

When I was in New Zealand and before I moved to Germany I was working in tourism and marketing in Auckland. I really, really enjoyed it. Had other opportunities not came along, I’d probably still be there.

I’m a bit of a bookworm. At the moment, I’m reading Winter of the World by Ken Follett.

Gosh, that’s a tough one. Recently I read The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. It was excellent.

So I’ll say that one.

That would be the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. We played against Team GB in the opening match of the Olympics last year.

That’s easy, Fara Williams for sure.

She never stops.

From a really selfish point of view, I’d move all of the big leagues a little bit closer to home. Maybe then I wouldn’t have to travel 36 hours for a game of football!

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

29

SEASON STATS 2013 FA WSL FIXTURES 2013

(Home games at Halton Stadium in CAPS, cup fixtures denoted in brackets)

Date​

Opponent​​

Result​​

March 17​

Aston Villa (FAC 5)​ Williams 3, Fors (pen), Dowie

5-0​​

March 23

​ VERTON (CC) E Fors (pen)

1-1

March 31

Sunderland (FAC 6)​ Fenlon-Billson, Omarsdottir

2-1

April 14​

Lincoln Ladies Dowie

April 28​

GAMES & GOALS 2013

(substitute appearances in brackets, ** no longer with club)

FA WSL CONT CUP FA CUP App Goals App Goals App Goals

1 Danielle Gibbons ​​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 2 Samantha Chappell ​​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 3 Whitney Engen​

10

1

4 ​0

3 ​0

4 Fara Williams​

11

3

4

1

3 ​3

1-0

5 Gemma Bonner

10

2

4 ​0

3 ​0

6 Lucy Bronze​

10(1) 1 ​3(1) ​0 ​0 ​0

ARSENAL LADIES (FAC SF) Dowie

1-2

7 Katie Longhurst

0(5) 1 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0

May 04​

DONCASTER RB (CC) Dowie

1-0

8 Katrin Omarsdottir

8(2)​ 1

9 Natasha Dowie​

11

9

4

4 ​3 ​2

May 07

Arsenal Ladies Da Costa 2, Dowie, Fors

4-0​

10 Louise Fors​​

11

6

4

1

3 ​1

11 Nicole Rolser

11

10

4

1

3 ​0

May 12​ ​

Chelsea Ladies Engen

1-2

12 Becky Easton

3(5) ​0 ​1(1) ​0

3 ​0

May 19​

Chelsea (CC) Dowie 2, Rolser, Williams

4-0​

13 Amanda Da Costa

11

2

4 ​0

2 ​0

14 Ellie Stewart

0​

0 ​0 ​0

0 ​0

May 29​

LINCOLN LADIES Dowie, Horwood (OG), Fors

3-2

15 Jess Holbrook​​

3(3) ​0

17 Caroline Charlton​​

0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0 ​0

June 4​

Everton Ladies Rolser, Fors, Schroder, Dowie

4-1​

19 Corina Schroder​​

11 ​0

4 ​0 ​1(1) ​0

June 8​

BIRMINGHAM CITY Rolser 2, Bronze, Dowie

4-1​

20 Katie Zelem

0

0​

0​

0​

0​

0

21 Sarah Gregorius

0(3) 0​

1

0​

0​

0

Aug 3

ARSENAL LADIES

0-3

22 Sophia Riccio​​

0(2)​ 0 ​0(2) ​0 ​0 ​0

Aug 7

LINCOLN LADIES (CC) Dowie

1-1​

Aug 10​

Bristol Academy 4-3​ Fors (pen), Rolser, Omarsdottir, Bonner

Aug 17

​ HELSEA LADIES C Williams, Dowie, Rolser 2

4-3​

Aug 24

Doncaster Dowie 3 (1 pen), Williams 2, Bonner, Fors (pen), Rolser, Longhurst

9-0

Sept 1

​Birmingham City Rolser 3, Fors

4-2

Sept 4​

DONCASTER RB (7.45pm)

Sept 12

EVERTON LADIES (7.30pm)

Sept 29

​BRISTOL ACADEMY (2pm)

CONTINENTAL CUP– FINAL GROUP STANDINGS ​​​P ​W ​D ​L ​F ​A ​Pts

Liverpool Ladies ​3​ 2 ​1 ​0 ​6 ​1 ​7 Everton Ladies​ 3 ​2​ 1​ 1​ 6​ 3​ 7 Doncaster Rovers Belles ​3​ 0​ 1​ 2 ​2 ​5 ​1 Chelsea Ladies​ 3​ 0​ 1​ 2​ 2​ 7​ 1​ All statistics correct up to and including 01.09.2013

30

Liverpool Ladies

The FA WSL

3(1) ​0 ​2(1) ​1

0(1) ​0 ​1(1)​ 0

23 Rachael Laws

5(1) 0

1 ​0 ​0 ​0

24 Sarah Quantrill​​

6

0​

3

0​

** Katie Brusell ​​0 ​0​

0​

0 ​0(1) ​0

3

0

** Hannah Keryakoplis​ 0(1) 0​

0​

0​

0​

** Michelle Evans​​

0​

0​

1(1) ​0

0​

0​

0

** Lillie Fenlon-Billson​ 0(6) ​0 ​0(3) ​0 ​1(2) ​1

FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE ​​​P ​W ​D ​L ​F ​A ​Pts

Liverpool Ladies

11 9 ​0

Arsenal Ladies​

10 8 ​1 ​1

27 10 25

Bristol Academy

9

7 ​0

2

22 14 21

Birmingham City​

10 3 ​3

4

11 17 12

Everton Ladies​

9

3 ​2

4

17 21 11

Chelsea Ladies​

12 3 ​1​

8

19 22 10

Lincoln Ladies​

11 1 ​3

7

8

14 6

7

5

32 5

Doncaster Rovers Belles 7

1

2

2

38 17 27

Events at Anfield 2013 - Robbie Williams_programme.indd 1

16/04/2013 12:20

Liverpool Ladies

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Manager: Matt Beard

Manager: John Buckley

Danielle Gibbons

1

Nicola Hobbs

2

Lyndsey Cunningham

1

2

Samantha Chappell

3

Whitney Engen

3

Naomi Chadwick

4

Fara Williams

4

Leandra Little

5

Jessica Sigsworth

6

Kasia Lipka

7

Julie Melrose

8

Sue Smith

9

Katie Brusell

10

Millie Bright

11

Bethany England

12

Nicola Emery

13

Nicola Davies

14

Lucy Sowerby

15

Victoria Williams

16

Ashleigh Mills

17

Carla Tomkins

18

Jemma Purfield

19

Danielle Cox

5

Gemma Bonner (c)

6

Lucy Bronze

7

Kate Longhurst

8

Katrin Omarsdottir

9

Natasha Dowie

10

Louise Fors

11

Nicole Rolser

12

Becky Easton

13

Amanda Da Costa

14

Ellie Stewart

15

Jess Holbrook

17

Caroline Charlton

19

Corina Schroder

20

Katie Zelem

21

Sarah Gregorius

20

Rhiannon Roberts

22

Sophia Riccio

21

Emma Johnson

23

Rachael Laws

22

Emma Higgins

Sarah Quantrill

23

Lauren Cresswell

24

MATCH OFFICIALS

MASCOTS

Referee:

Today’s mascots join us from Formby Juniors Sports Club and St Helen’s Town Girls

Brian McGill

Assistant Referee: Keiron Jones Assistant Referee: William Slinger Fourth Official:

Daniel Hitchell