Ladies fire eight past Rovers

Natasha Dowie fired a hat-trick as Liverpool FC Ladies thrashed Blackburn Rovers 8-0 in a pre-season friendly at the Halton Stadium.

Matt Beard's new-look side are making good progress and gearing up nicely for the start of the Women's Super League which resumes in March.

Recently signed from neighbours Everton, Dowie netted a superb treble, while other goals arrived from Lillie Billson (2), Lizzie Ince, Katie Brusell and new arrival from the USA Amanda Da Costa.

Commenting on the win, Beard said: "I was pleased with our overall performance.

"As we've played each game we've learn't a lot about each other and the players are understanding on how we are looking to play.

"We've had the opportunity in training to put the wrongs right and I think against Blackburn things clicked into place.

"We rotated the squad tonight which shows the players that there is competition for places and that everyone has to be at their best."

This weekend the ladies host a four-team tournament at the Halton Stadium and the clash with Scottish outfit Rangers will provide a good test for Beard's team.

The Reds host Rangers on Saturday at 2pm, and then face Forfar on Sunday at 2pm.The new 2013 Women's Super League kicks off again in March.

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