4-goal Liverpool Women boost top-four hopes in WSL

Liverpool boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the WSL with a 4-1 win at Aston Villa.

Goals from Grace Fisk and Sophie Roman Haug put the Reds in control before Sarah Mayling pulled one back from the penalty spot.

But defender EMMA Koivisto struck twice in the second half to secure three points for Matt Beard’s side.

Liverpool took the lead after Noelle Maritz gave away a free-kick near the penalty box.

Fuka Nagano played the ball across the face of goal and Fisk’s deflected strike fooled Villa keeper Daphne van Domselaar and found the back of the net.

Villa almost hit straight back but Kenza Dali’s shot was held by Rachael Laws.

Liverpool doubled their lead when Nagano’s cross was flicked on for Haug to head home.

Villa were gifted a route back into the match when Kirsty Hanson was brought down by GeMMA Bonner in the area box and Mayling converted the spot-kick.

But Koivisto restored the two-goal advantage with a fine finish at the far post after Jasmine Matthews crossed into the box.

And the Finland international struck again with a looping header over Van Domselaar to wrap up the victory.