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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul McNamara & Will Jennings

Liverpool shock champions as Katie Stengel WSL debut double downs Chelsea

Katie Stengel bagged a Barclays Women's Super League debut double from the spot as Liverpool shocked champions Chelsea 2-1 at Prenton Park on their return to the top-flight.

Emma Hayes’ side had the perfect start to the match when Fran Kirby stepped up to convert a third minute penalty – the first of a record three in the match.

It wasn’t until the 67 th minute that the home side replied, Stengel sending Musovic the wrong way after a debatable Millie Bright hand ball to bring the scores level.

LFC RATINGS: Katie Stengel and four others shine in brilliant win against Chelsea

Chelsea kept pushing to reset the balance, but it was the WSL newcomers who snatched the win with three minutes remaining, Stengel keeping her cool from the spot to the delight of former Blues boss Matt Beard.

It looked to be business as usual for the champions when Guro Reiten was felled in the area by debutant Gilly Flaherty after shooting.

Kirby waited for Rachael Laws to move before calmly stroking the ball to the left to open the scoring.

From then on, it seemed almost certain that the visitors would extend their lead and saunter back to the capital with all three points.

Sam Kerr had the ball in the back of the net with 20 minutes gone, but she was ruled offside with replays suggesting the call was marginal.

But then, in a rare breakaway, it was Liverpool’s turn to go lose, skipper Leanne Kiernan striking the post before seeing the flag go up.

After the break Chelsea struggled to make the most of their opportunities and were punished when the ball is fired at Bright from close range after a Megan Campbell long throw.

Stengel made no mistake with the spot kick and confidently stroked her second to the other side with three minutes remaining after she was brought down by Buchanan as she was about to shoot to earn Liverpool a memorable three points.

To follow the action and sign up for The FA Player’s live Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship coverage visit https://faplayer.thefa.com/home/all

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