United Women delivered late drama in their final pre-season clash, drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village. This wasn’t just a friendly kickabout—it was a showcase of grit, chaos, and a reminder that football scripts should come with spoiler alerts. Simi Awujo got the ball rolling inside five minutes, Ceri Holland levelled, Cornelia Kapocs restored Liverpool’s lead, and then Ella Toone channeled her inner action-hero with a last-gasp acrobatic volley.
First Half: Fast Start, Sharp Saves, Sudden Setback
Awujo, fresh off winning the Breakout Star award, made Liverpool’s goalkeeper regret playing short passes with a ruthless interception and finish. United Women pressed like their morning coffee had an extra shot of espresso. But football giveth and football taketh away. Holland’s top-corner strike reminded everyone that pre-season defenders can still have nightmares.
Second Half: United Women Put on a Rollercoaster
Liverpool flipped the script when Kapocs curled in a beauty. Cue collective groans from the home crowd. But if pre-season is for ironing out wrinkles, United Women did so by testing Liverpool’s defense like it was a lab experiment. Terland hit the bar, had shots saved, and probably went home wondering if the goalposts had a personal vendetta against her.
United Women and the Ella Toone Plot Twist
Just when defeat looked inevitable, Keira Barry crossed, Toone leapt, and boom—2-2. That’s why you keep stars on the pitch: for the late fireworks. Leigh Sports Village erupted, and Skinner’s side walked away unbeaten in pre-season. Momentum secured, self-belief topped up.
Author’s Take: What This Means for United Women
This wasn’t flawless football, but it was the kind of chaos that hardens a squad before Champions League qualifiers. United Women demonstrated an ability to pursue games, challenge lines, and most importantly provide drama when it matters. Given that this is the aperitif, then PSV Eindhoven must prepare themselves with the entree.