Lewes give Liverpool a Rood awakening

Katie Rood and substitute Hack each equalised after Amalie Thestrup and Rinsola Babajide twice put Liverpool ahead with the first goals Lewes had conceded since the opening day.

Lewes goalscorer Katie Rood said: “I think we were really solid defensively but we knew if we could stay organised and defend well, then we could create chances up front as well. We proved our resilience having conceded twice before battling for a draw.

“As a team, we are super strong and defensively organised so we know that we can take on any team in this league. If we show up on the day by being organised and resilient then we can take a point.

“Liverpool are a very solid team and have scored 11 goals recently, we know that they will create clear-cut opportunities and I think as long as we are solid and doing our bit, we can create opportunities. Now we have to take it forward and keep building on from this performance."

Lewes remain fifth in the Championship - just behind Liverpool and five points clear of Coventry in sixth.

Lewes started well with Rood doing brilliantly to break down the Liverpool backline, finding Emily Donovan in the box who was unable to capitalise on the opportunity.

The Reds broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through Thestrup’s close-range finish at the near post, poking home past goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders after being well found by Babajide.

Liverpool came close to extending their lead when Rhiannon Roberts’ effort flew over the bar while, moments later, Babajide’s low shot from the left was blocked on the line by Nicola Cousins.

But Lewes were level two minutes before half-time when Rood ran on to a sublime through ball to finish under Rachael Laws.

The visitors were back ahead within 15 minutes of the second half thanks to Babajide, picking the ball up following Lawley's excellent run and firing into the net to restore the visitors’ lead.

Thestrup almost doubled the visitors' lead when her clipped effort hit the frame of the woodwork, but once again they were pegged back when Hack bundled the ball into the net.

Lewes looked the more likely to score the winner but they were forced to settle for a point, despite coming close when Georgia Timms hit the post following superb work from Emily Donovan.

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