City of Liverpool FC emphatically marked their first foray into 11-a-side football with a convincing win over a battling Ormskirk Galaxy today at the Purple Hub.

With the purps missing captain Shannon Robinson to illness, the opening stages of the match hinted at a cagey contest, but that quickly changed as the Purps stamped their authority on the game.

Jemma Harding, displaying both pace and precision, kickstarted the onslaught with a dazzling run down the left flank. After outpacing her marker, she cooly slotted home to open the scoring. 

Soon after, Jess Maguire demonstrated her technical prowess, expertly connecting with a floated cross to dispatch a sublime half-volley into the back of the net. The duo’s strikes ensured the Purps went into the break with a reassuring 2-0 lead.

The second half began where the first left off. Debutante Laura Butters made an immediate impact. Receiving a deft pass and delicately placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach to make it 3.

The defence was marshalled expertly by Lauren Fisher and the debutant Claudia but it wasn’t all plain sailing for the purps. A foray into the box from Ormskirk saw a curling shot that was destined for the corner until Caitlin Myers tipped it superbly around the post to keep the clean sheet intact.

Down the other end, it was Jess Maguire, ever-present and looking to link up play, who then added to her tally. She masterfully controlled a pinpoint cross with her first touch and, without a moment’s hesitation, drilled it home to claim her brace.

The dynamic duo of Jemma Harding and Laura Butters combined effectively next. A blistering run from Harding down the wing culminated in a precise cutback to Butters, who’s shot found the net for her second, and the purps 5th.

But the day wasn’t over for Harding. In the dying embers of the match, she showcased what makes her such a dangerous opponent. Chasing a long ball, she outmanoeuvred her defender with a swift turn before rocketing the ball into the roof of the net, sealing the impressive 6-0 scoreline.

Midfield dynamo, Danielle Rutter, was aptly awarded Player of the Match after an all action display saw her help command the purps to a fantastic win.

Post-match, Manager Jay Maguire expressed his satisfaction: “The goals we scored today, the fluidity in play, it’s indicative of our training sessions. This was an ideal start, and we hope to carry this momentum forward.”
“I also just want to say how proud I am of every single one of the players today.To win 6-0 in our first 90 minute 11 a side game was brilliant, if we play like that every game we’ll go far”

Our warriors debut this season in the Liverpool Womens & Youth Football League and will play our games on Sundays at the Purple Hub in Huyton. Come along and give your support.