Report and reaction as Albion lose 2-1 in WSL

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Michelle Agyemang on target but defeat to Liverpool drops Albion to sixth in the table.

Bruce Talbot

2025-04-19T14:30+01:00

Michelle Agyemang got Albion back into the game three minutes into the second half. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Albion slipped down to sixth in the WSL table after losing to Liverpool at the Amex.

Dario Vidosic’s team fought back well after a poor first half when they conceded two goals to Olivia Smith and Leanne Kiernan.

Michelle Agyemang halved the deficit from close range within three minutes of the restart and Albion dominated much of the second half but couldn’t find an equaliser.

Liverpool move up to fifth on a frustrating afternoon for Albion, who made a nightmare start when they conceded after just 70 seconds. Ceri Holland’s cross from the right found Smith unmarked and she was able to fire past Melina Loeck from close range without being challenged.

Nikita Parris is challenged by Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

It was a poor goal to concede and Liverpool would have had a second on 12 minutes had Loeck not tipped Leanne Kiernan’s shot over at full stretch after Smith had again got in on Albion’s left-hand side.

Albion gradually found a way through Liverpool’s press and Nadine Noordam sent a curling effort midway through the first half just wide then a neat exchange of passes opened up space on the left but Fran Kirby’s ball across the face of goal was cleared before Agyemang could pounce.

Michelle Agyemang makes it 2-1 with a close-range finish. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

But Liverpool threatened again just before the break through the dangerous Smith, who forced Loeck to save at her near post. Albion’s respite didn’t last long. Maisie Symonds’ attempt to play out was intercepted by Holland and she teed up Harris who was unmarked and produced a side-foot finish past Loeck.

Poppy Pattinson was booked for a challenge on Smith, which forced Liverpool’s main threat to leave on crutches, and didn’t reappear for the second half.

It was one of three changes which paid dividends within three minutes of the restart. Kiko Seike delivered the cross from the left and Agyemang sidefooted it past Rachael Laws from close range.

The fans enjoy the Amex sunshine. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Albion now had momentum, with Agyemang and Seike stretching Liverpool in wide areas. Fran Kirby volleyed narrowly wide from Seike’s cross while Symonds, who had dropped into the back three, had some success finding Albion’s two wide players with passes from deep.

But a series of stoppages blunted Albion’s momentum and Holland nearly stretched Liverpool’s lead with a shot that Loeck pushed out for a corner at full stretch. There were eight minutes of added time but Liverpool defended solidly and Albion couldn't create another clear-cut opportunity to score.

The line-up

Loeck, Pattinson (Olislagers 45), Bergsvand, McLauchlan (Stefanovic 45), Auee (Rule 90+7), Cancovic (Vilamala 80), Symonds, Noordam (Seike 45), Kirby, Parris, Agyemang. Unused subs: Baggaley, Hayes, Rayner, Johnson.