Loughborough Lightning 0-2 Liverpool Feds
Sunday 18th October 2026 14:00
FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division
Loughborough University
The Feds’ starting XI was unchanged going in to the game away at Loughborough Lightning, following a tough defeat at home to Stoke City last Sunday.
Manager Leanne Duffy led her side to a 2-0 victory against Loughborough Lightning after two first half goals and a complete team performance throughout secured a big win on the road.
The game could not have started much better for the Feds and it took forward Henna Butcher just two minutes to open the scoring. A dangerous lofted through ball from Walters put goalkeeper Murphy in two minds and misjudged the flight of the ball, leading to a goal for the Feds. Butcher’s blistering pace allowed her to put just enough pressure on Murphy and block the goalkeeper’s attempted clearance, positioning the forward in front of an empty net and slotting the ball home with ease.
The early goal allowed the Feds to comfortably settle into the game from the get-go. In just the first 15 minutes of the match, the Feds displayed some exquisite passing sequences in playing the ball out of the back and the confidence in the team was sky-high, with midfielder McEvoy at the heart of it for the Feds.
In the 18th minute of the match, Loughborough Lightning had their best chance of the game. Williams played through a perfect through ball putting Jarowicki through on goal for the hosts, but she could not manage to get a shot off after an incredible last-ditch tackle from Carrington denied the forward from testing McAloon.
Despite that chance, the Feds continued to dominate their opponents and more chances came their way. A teasing cross from Jones was flicked on by Butcher causing goalkeeper Murphy to react fast and save Butcher’s effort from heading into the bottom left corner. Then just moments later, a beautifully dinked pass from Wilson put Brady in a promising position running inside off of the right wing. She controlled the ball just outside of the right-hand side of the penalty area, with her first touch taking it into the box, before she cooly poked it past the goalkeeper’s near post, doubling the Feds’ lead.
The Feds went into the half-time break two goals to the good, with chances coming at both ends before the half-time whistle was blown. Brady looked like she was destined to grab her second of the game after she neatly controlled a cross from Walters just outside of the six-yard box, however she was denied by an outstanding save from Murphy. Loughborough Lightning winger Conway also came close after her impressive solo run was denied by McAloon. The Feds shot stopper comfortably saved Conway’s effort from outside of the penalty area and a long-ranged chip shot from Greenwood was the closest Loughborough Lightning came to a goal in the first half, however the ball narrowly bounced over the crossbar, sparing McAloon’s blushes after she rushed off of her goal line.
As expected, Loughborough started the strongest of the two sides, with them chasing the game. An early second half attempt from Jarowicki was saved by McAloon. The hosts continued to put the pressure on the Feds and the game began to liven up again around the hour mark, yet neither side had any clear-cut chances.
Numerous tackles and turnovers in possession defined the second half and the visitors did superbly not to give the hosts a chance of a second half comeback. With 20 minutes to go, Walters very nearly but the game to bed as she found the back of the net following a long ball over the top of the Loughborough defence, however she was narrowly offside. Ironically, the hosts then also had the ball in the net up the other end following a corner, but the referee made a great decision to disallow the goal as a Loughborough attacker was in an offside position, blocking McAloon’s view of the ball.
The second half performance from the Feds was an impressive one from all areas of the pitch. The defence worked hard to secure a well-fought and much needed clean sheet, whilst the rest of the team continued to the control the game and create chances, most notably, a late effort from Walters which was unlucky to find the back of the net, thanks to a brave save from Murphy. The relentless high press and intensity on show from the visitors was definitely a big contribution towards their victory and an incredible team performance in both halves of the 90 gave the Feds a crucial, well-deserved 2-0 victory.
Words: Louie Sparks
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
A commanding defensive performance from Seren Carrington has earned her player of the match. Her composure, commitment and reading of the game were key to keeping the opposition at bay and securing a well-earned clean sheet.
Seren is sponsored by Inspired Team Wear Solutions
Next up:
AWAY
Sunday 25th October, 2pm
Leeds Modernians v Liverpool Feds
FA Cup – 1st round
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