Feds came into the game full of confidence after a strong performance against Fylde the previous week. There were a couple of changes to the side with Johnson and Jukes unavailable, Donoghue started up front with Walsh making her first start for the club and Parry came in for Seagraves.

Feds started on the front foot not allowing Forest to settle into their game. Sophie Domingo looked a threat for the visitors with her pace and direct play but Ellie Fletcher was an equal match which made for an exciting battle throughout the 90 minutes. In the early exchanges there were little chances to report for either team, Greengrass latched onto a through ball but the onrushing Norney managed to collect from the strikers feet.
It was Feds though that finally managed to break through. Following a couple of counter attacks from wide areas Feds had become a threat, and on the 18th minute an excellent ball over the top from Cole allowed Collins to dart down the right and fizz the ball across the goal, Batty could only spill the ball into Donoghue’s path for the striker to tap in her 7th goal of the season.

A few chances followed for the away side and yellow cards were issued for Fletcher and Donoghue before the half time whistle blew.

The second half started with Forest coming out the blocks and Feds finding it hard to get out their own half, 11 minutes in Forest managed to break Feds spirit, Abi Cowie was quick to press Pope and after finding Sophie Domingo her strike into the bottom left corner leveled the game.
Norney making her third appearance for Feds in between the sticks had a show stopping performance throughout the game and was called into action once again after a late tackle from Parry saw the Reds awarded a penalty. Manders stepped up but to the delight of the home fans Norney chose the right way and kept Feds in the game.

A through ball from Thompson in the dying minutes saw Collins though on goal only for the Forest defender to nick the ball out for a corner which eventually resulted in the final whistle. Feds resilience throughout was a joy to see and allowed the Blues to gain a valuable point against a top side in form.

Feds, now unbeaten in 6 league games, return to action in 2 weeks time with a trip to Wolverhamption Wanderers.

Rachael Norney on the performance;

“I think as a team we all had the same goal. We wanted to go out and perform against one of the top teams and prove that we can do that. 

Overall the team played well, very good link ups and the defensive structure couldn’t have been better.

Personally for me, I was delighted to come away with a point and a penalty save to keep up my unbeaten streak since arriving”.

Report by Liv Heslington

Norney🧤Saves. All the 🎥 angles! #FedArmy pic.twitter.com/jfuT4wbu3V

— Liverpool Feds FC Women (@LiverpoolFeds) February 20, 2024