Late Winner Seals Another Victory For LCFC Women
There were four changes from the midweek Continental Tyres League Cup Quarter-Final victory over Crystal Palace, including Hannah Cain, who has handed her first start for the Club.
Early chances came at both ends with Missy Bo Kearns striking straight at Kirstie Levell, before Paige Bailey-Gayle picked out Natasha Flint in the area, but she was foiled by Rachael Laws.
And there was to be an early goal when Amalie Thestrup squared for Kearns to finish first-time and hand the home side the lead.
Leicester struggled to get into their usual rhythm but did create from a set piece as Charlie Devlin's in-swinging free-kick was met by Ashleigh Plumptre, who was once again denied by Laws.
From open play, however, chances were less frequent, though Laws had to be called into action again when Bailey-Gayle cut inside onto her left foot and tried her luck.
The Foxes would go in level at the break, via a penalty, when Remi Allen was tripped in the area. Flint stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the bottom corner, sending Laws the wrong way.
Liverpool were down to 10 players just 20 seconds into the second period, with substitute Melissa Lawley shown a straight red card for her late challenge on Devlin.
The home side stayed in shape well after being reduced to 10, with City's only opening in the first 15 minutes of the second half coming via Flint, who fired well wide.
As for the Reds, Rinsola Babajide's powerful effort, sent high and wide of goal, was one of few ventures forward.
Back at the other end, Devlin's shot from range flashed just over the crossbar, before the best chance of the half so far fell to Flint. Bailey-Gayle pounced on a defensive error and opted to set up City's No.20 in the box, but she sliced her effort well wide of goal.
Then, with the first shot on target in the second half, City took the lead. It was Devlin who got it, finishing expertly into the bottom corner after Flint had carried the ball forward from Allen's delicate pass.
The Foxes held on in the closing stages to see out another impressive performance - and result - away from home.
Major moment
Leicester had to work hard for the three points and were rewarded for their efforts in the 81st minute. Charlie Devlin grabbed the all-important goal, which was nicely finished and worthy of settling the match in the away side's favour.
Who impressed?
It was very much a team performance from the Foxes, who battled and grafted to make it 10 consecutive games unbeaten in all competitions and three wins in the last seven days.
Where does it leave us?
City stay top of the FA Women's Championship standings and are now 11 points clear of Liverpool. The gap to second-placed Durham remains at three points.
Coming up
Leicester return to Farley Way Stadium on Sunday 24 January, facing Crystal Palace Women in the league (2pm GMT kick-off).
The details...
City: Levell; De Graaf, Howard, Plumptre (c), Smith; Tierney; Bailey-Gayle, Allen, Devlin, Cain (Paul 62); Flint (Farrow 85).
Subs not used: Harris, Riglar, Everett, Cataldo, Thomas, Fergusson.
Goals: Flint 43', Devlin 81'.
Photos: Liverpool FC Women / FA Women's Championship.