Jordan Nobbs is left in a spin by Everton’s Brook Chaplen

Published: 17 October, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

FOLLOWERS of the men’s game could only watch on in awe and envy on Sunday as the Women’s Super League reached a dramatic and mesmerising conclusion.

Despite starting the day third in the table, Liverpool retained their crown after a 3-0 win over Bristol Academy saw them finish above Chelsea on goal difference. 

They also managed to leap-frog Birmingham Ladies, who could only draw 2-2 in their must-win game against Notts County. 

The Blues, managed by former Parliament Hill schoolgirl Emma Hayes (above), were very much favourites as they went into their final game against Manchester City knowing that even a draw would surely be enough to see them land the first major honour in the club’s 22-year history. 

It wasn’t to be, however, as goals from Jill Scott and Toni Duggan earned a weakened City side a dream-dashing 2-1 victory. 

Hayes said that despite missing out on the title she was still proud of what her team has achieved.

“The reality is that some of our players have never been in this position before, the stage and the moment can get to you, and that will help those players be stronger next time,” she said. 

“To come away saying that we are disappointed to have missed out on the title by just one goal and “only” qualified for the Champions League is a great indicator of the huge strides that we have taken over the past 12 months.” 

Arsenal Ladies also finished their campaign on a high by beating Everton 3-1 thanks to an own-goal from Rachel Brown-Finnis and strikes from Jordan Nobbs and Danielle Carter.