Preview: Ladies ready for Bristol test
Liverpool Ladies play their final Women's Super League game of the season on Sunday when they take on Bristol Academy at the Stoke Gifford Stadium, at 6pm BST.
Matt Beard will be hoping his team can put thoughts of Wednesday's Champions League tie in Brescia to the back of their minds, as they look to end their domestic campaign on a real high.
Natasha Dowie has already scored six goals against Bristol Academy this season but the Reds No.9 itargeting more when the sides meet on Sunday.
Dowie netted twice as the Reds downed Bristol 2-0 in their first FA WSL 1 clash back in August before grabbing all four goals in a 4-1 Continental Tyres Cup triumph last month.
The clubs enter this weekend’s clash occupying the bottom two spots in WSL 1, with Liverpool having won just four games from 13 in their title defence, while Bristol will be relegated after finishing last.
Dowie has been a shining light in a difficult season – blasting 13 goals in 20 games – and with the Vixens in her sights once again, the 27-year-old admits she might not be the most popular person down in Bristol.
“Willie Kirk (Bristol Academy manager) says he’s fed up of seeing me,” laughed Dowie. “I love scoring goals and I got a lot of opportunities against Bristol.
“It gives you confidence having scored lots of goals against them in the past that you can do so again, so hopefully I can.
“I’m gutted for Bristol. They have got a great set up and some really good young players.
“They have been strong for the last couple of years and they have a determination to never give up.
“They didn’t give up in the cup game even when the game had got away from them. They have got a great team spirit and I think they have a strong enough team to get back up.”
View from the opposition
Equatorial Guinea striker Jade Boho-Sayo has been a bright spot since joining Bristol Academy in July, netting eight goals in nine games.
And as Bristol attempt to end their season on a high against Liverpool, midfielder Angharad James believes her team-mate could prove the difference.
“She’s a great player, she’s a talented player and she’s been a great signing for us,” said James. “She’s been netting the goals for us and she does that day in and day out in training.
“It’s expected from her that she’ll get us a goal. The more often she gets on the ball, the more likely it is that we’ll win the game.
“Liverpool are a great side and we’ve played them a couple of times this year but we’ve lost every time.
“We’ve come up a bit short against them, we’ve not done our best and we’ve conceded too many goals. We’ve just got to put things right and concentrate more on ourselves rather than the opposition.
“We’ll keep fighting to the end. We’re going there to win three points, regardless of the situation.”
Last time out
The two sides met recently in the Continental Tyres Cup Quarter Final as Dowie scored all four goals as the Reds defeated Bristol Academy 4-1 at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.
After giving Liverpool Ladies a 1-0 lead, a superb equaliser from Jade Boho-Sayo levelled the scoreline going into the half-time break.
However, goal machine Dowie added three goals to hers and Liverpool Ladies' tally in the second half to ensure that Matt Beard's side progressed to the semi-finals.