Leicester City secure first WSL win since October against Liverpool | OneFootball

Leicester City came from behind to secure their first Women’s Super League win since October against a lacklustre Liverpool side on Sunday.

The Reds took the lead as Olivia Smith put Matt Beard’s side in front after just three minutes. The hosts hit back with two first half goals, thanks to Janice Cayman and Missy Goodwin. The Foxes then held on for a vital three points, as Liverpool still look to recapture their fine form from last season.

Starting XIs

Leicester

Leitzig; Tierney, Bott, Howard, Thibaud, Ale, Mace, O’Brien, Momiki, Goodwin, Cayman

Liverpool

Micah; Fisk, Bonner, Clark, Parry, Nagano, Kerr, Holland, Hinds, Smith, Enderby

A bright result for Leicester City

The 3pm kick off at the King Power Stadium began in frustrating fashion for the Foxes. The home fans had barely fired up the out of tune vuvuzueala as Canadian international Smith closed down Janina Leitzig, with the goalkeeper’s clearance rebounding off her and into the net.

However, Leicester soon grew into the match. Sophie Howard commanded the backline whilst also offering an option further up the pitch. Ruby Mace launched in a free-kick from just inside the Liverpool half, as Howard linked up with Leicester skipper Janice Cayman inside the area. The Belgium international hit a first time volley beyond the diving Teagan Micah and into the net.

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Another set-piece saw Foxes centre-back Julie Thibaud nod the ball into the side-netting, with the home fans believing her effort had gone in. Leitzig redeemed her earlier error by saving well from a Taylor Hinds’ header at the other end.

Leicester then took the lead as they won the ball back from a Hinds throw-in and switched it over to the left. An unmarked Missy Goodwin struck the ball tamely and looked surprise that it crept over the line, with Leicester ahead by a single goal at half time.

Leicester bank important three points vs Liverpool

Beard introduced Marie Höbinger and Gemma Evans from the bench at the interval, then quickly brought on Leanne Kiernan and Julia Bartel in search of a leveller.

Leicester looked slow in the second half and manager Amandine Miquel shuffled the pack on 63 minutes with the substitutions of Hannah Cain, Saori Takarada and Nelly Las. Shana Chossenotte also made her return from injury.

The Foxes were penned in their own half as the rain began to fall harder. Leanne Kiernan teed up Hinds, whose low drive from the edge of the area was gathered by a relieved Leitzig.

A bit of red mist descended on Liverpool’s No.11, as she landed a retaliatory studs up challenge on Las that saw her get a yellow and left the young Lioness in tears. Liverpool continued to be frustrated as Leicester’s backline defended well.

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The 68th minute saw Sophie Roman Haug enter the action after spending three months on the sidelines. Liverpool striker Kiernan had the final chance of the game but fired into the side-netting from inside the area.

At the final whistle, the Leicester fans celebrated their sides first win since October 2024 and only their team’s second win all season. More importantly, the return of attacking players from injury will have been a relief. Liverpool still can’t recapture their fine form from last season.

Up next

Leicester travel away to take on Everton in WSL action next weekend. Meanwhile, Liverpool face West Ham midweek in the FA Cup, before taking on the Hammers in the league a few days later.

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