From Glitter to Goals: A Fantastic Family Day Out with Liverpool FC Women

A Bright Start at St Helens

Sunday brought another bright and beautiful day as we headed back to St Helens for Liverpool FC Women’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur. There was a last-minute change to our plans, poor Willem had come down with chickenpox, meaning Martin stayed home while Andrea and I were joined by one of her friends, Amilya.

It turned out to be a perfect day for Amilya’s first visit. Even before kick-off, there was so much excitement to soak up!

Most of the players had already headed inside when we arrived, but Andrea loved pointing a few out to her friend, proudly sharing her growing knowledge of the team.

Matchday Magic

Inside the VBar, the ever-popular bracelet making station was in full swing, soundtracked by another brilliant live set from Helen Maw. While the girls focused on crafting their bracelets, I had a wonderful time catching up with some of the amazing women I’d met at the last match — it’s such a lovely community.

Outside, a football cage had been set up for fans to have a kick-about. Neither Andrea nor Amilya were tempted, but I’m sure Willem would have been impossible to tear away! As always, the amazing team from the St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry were also there, collecting donations to support the local community.

More Fun Inside the Ground

Once inside the ground, the activities continued. Our first stop was the face-painting station, where a hugely talented artist freehanded stunning Liverbirds onto the girls’ faces, framed with glitter. Andrea was absolutely mesmerised by her skill.

While the girls queued, Andrea expertly convinced me to take her swaps over to the football sticker exchange table — and judging by some others, I wasn’t the only parent roped in! It’s such a well-organised setup, with everyone quietly but determinedly hunting through piles of stickers.

Adding to the atmosphere, a fantastic brass band filled the stadium with upbeat tunes, getting everyone into the spirit before the match. It definitely worked — the fans were in even better voice than usual once the action began!

Before heading to our seats, the girls squeezed in a visit to the selfie station, making sure to capture a few memories of their special day.

Building Memories Beyond Football

It’s genuinely incredible how much Liverpool FC Women do to make a matchday special for families. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that the experience has been thoughtfully designed to be about so much more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch. The activities, live music, crafts, games, and community initiatives create a welcoming, lively atmosphere that makes every supporter, young or old, feel like a valued part of the club.

Days like these aren’t just about football; they’re packed full of fun, laughter, and the kind of memories that children will treasure for years to come. There’s something magical happening at every turn. It builds a sense of excitement and belonging that stays with families long after the final whistle.

I really hope that activities like this continue to grow and help bring even more fans through the gates. Women’s football is thriving, and creating these joyful, affordable matchday experiences is such a powerful way to build the next generation of supporters. For the price of a ticket, the value for money is simply outstanding, not just for the quality of football on display, but for the full day out that the club provides.

The Match: Liverpool FC Women vs Tottenham Hotspur

Pre-Match Preview

Going into the game, there wasn’t much separating the two sides. Liverpool sat 5th in the table and Tottenham 9th, but with just six points between them. Tottenham had a boost from the return of Beth England after injury, strengthening their attacking threat. Meanwhile, Liverpool had a positive surprise with Olivia Smith available for selection after fears she might miss the match following an injury scare.

First Half Highlights

The first half was packed with action, with both teams pushing for the advantage:

4th min: Tottenham won an early corner, but Laws punched it clear. The ball fell to Smith, who looked ready to break away before being fouled.
9th min: Tottenham launched a strong attack, spreading play wide. A cross into the box found England, whose clever footwork forced an outstanding save from Laws.
11th min: Hinds’ cross was blocked by Rybrink, winning Liverpool a corner.
12th min: Hobinger delivered the corner to the near post. Fisk nudged it goalwards, Bonner kept it alive, and Sophie Roman Haug pounced to slot the ball into the net. GOAL LIVERPOOL: Liverpool 1 – 0 Tottenham.
20th min: A brilliant defensive move from Smith broke up a Tottenham attack. Clark picked up the ball and ran the length of the pitch, setting up Holland, who fired just wide.
22nd min: Another impressive attacking run from Clark ended with a dangerous ball into the box but found no Liverpool player.
22nd min: Roman Haug spotted Kerr’s perfectly timed run, but Bartrip defended superbly to shut down the threat.
24th min: Tottenham worked the ball neatly across the pitch. Naz’s cross/shot into the box was met by Fisk’s header, which hit the underside of the bar and bounced off Laws into the net. Fisk tried to clear it, but the ball had already crossed the line. GOAL TOTTENHAM: Liverpool 1 – 1 Tottenham.
29th min: Naz again caused problems, but Smith’s wonderfully timed tackle sent the ball out for a corner.
31st min: From the resulting corner, the ball fell to Hunt at the back post, and she made no mistake, finishing cleanly. GOAL TOTTENHAM: Liverpool 1 – 2 Tottenham.
39th min: Another determined attacking run from Clark resulted in a powerful shot just over the bar.
43rd min: Holland’s strike forced a superb save from Kop.
45th min: Clark unleashed another shot on target, prompting a fingertip save from Kop.

Liverpool went into halftime trailing 1-2, but it wasn’t through lack of effort. They created plenty of chances but they just lacked the final touch to finish them off. A lot to be hopeful for the second half.

Clark, making her 50th appearance for Liverpool, was especially lively, she seemed determined either to score or create a goal.

Second Half Highlights

The second half promised even more action than the first, with Liverpool turning up the pressure:.

46th min: An early chance for Naz, but her shot/cross is comfortably gathered by Laws.
47th min: England makes a powerful run from deep inside her own half and whips a cross into the box, narrowly missing both Naz and Vinberg.
48th min: A loose pass from Bartrip is picked up by Smith, who finds Hobinger. Hobinger is fouled right on the edge of the box by Vinberg.
49th min: Roman Haug steps up for the free kick, but her shot strikes the wall and deflects out for a corner.
50th min: A short corner to Nagano is returned to Hobinger, who swings the ball into the box. Roman Haug meets it with a strong header—Kop gets fingertips to it but can’t keep it out. GOAL LIVERPOOL: Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham.
54th min: Orzo intercepts a loose pass and charges toward the Liverpool goal. She’s given too much space but her shot is safely gathered by Laws.
55th min: Naz plays in Neville inside the box, but Liverpool clear the danger.
56th min: Neat build-up play starting with Kapocs, then up to Nagano who finds Hinds. Her cross is knocked out for a corner.
58th min: Hobinger picks up the ball just outside the area, feeds Hinds, then Holland wins a corner. It’s floated to the far post where Fisk heads just wide.
60th min: Liverpool pressure forces another error. Kapocs takes a shot that’s saved by Kop, pushing it wide for a corner. Neville clears the resulting set piece.
62th min: A dangerous ball into the Liverpool box isn’t cleared and falls to Naz, who spins around Clark but fires wide.
62th min: Liverpool respond with fluid passing—Hobinger to Smith, who drives forward and crosses into the box, just missing Holland.
64th min: Fisk finds Holland, who steps over the ball, leaving it for Smith—but Orzo intercepts and clears.
68th min: Morris attacks down the flank and her cross hits Bonner’s chest, or possibly face. Bonner’s comical crawls back onto the pitch, determined not to let play start without her.
69th min: Orzo sends a dangerous ball into the box, resulting in a collision between Thomas and Laws. Play stops for a lengthy treatment, but Laws is able to continue.
76th min: Kapocs wins a corner, but Tottenham break quickly on the counter. A tangle with Hinds results in a foul and a yellow card.
78th min: The resulting free kick is safely shepherded out by Holland for a goal kick.
81st min: A high foot from Neville on Smith earns Liverpool a free kick. Bonner rises to meet the delivery, but her header goes just wide.
82nd min: Ayane gets a shot on target for Spurs, but Laws collects cleanly.
84th min: Rybrink sends a long ball that looks overhit, but Morris chases it down with Hinds and wins a corner. It’s cleared well, sparking a Liverpool counter through Enderby—stopped due to a head injury in the Liverpool box.
91st min: Bonner shows great footwork and tenacity to win the ball near halfway. She charges forward, delivers a cross which is blocked, then regains possession and finds Hinds. Her delivery into the box is claimed by Kop.
94th min: Chaos in the Spurs box as Liverpool throw everything at goal with 4–5 attempts in a frenzied scramble.
94th min: Kapocs wins another Liverpool corner, punched away by Kop.
95th min: Smith earns yet another corner, which is headed goalward and deflected wide.
96th min: The corner is aimed at the back post where Clark dives in with a powerful header, forcing a brilliant save from Kop.
96th min: Another corner follows, but once again Kop punches clear, giving her side a moment to breathe.
99th min: Morris delivers a late cross into the Liverpool box, finding Thomas whose header flies just wide.

Final Score Liverpool 2 – 2 Tottenham

Despite the draw, it felt like a missed opportunity for Liverpool. The team dominated large spells of the second half, with corner after corner piling the pressure on. There was a real sense that Liverpool could go on to win it, but that final touch, the lucky break, or… something just didn’t come.

It was the kind of performance that felt like it deserved more. Coming from behind and pushing right to the end showed real character. Olivia Smith’s energy, Clark’s tireless drive, Roman Haug’s composure in front of goal, the whole team poured effort and intent into every minute.

The only thing missing was that final clinical touch, the finishing blow that would have secured all three points.

Still, there’s so much to admire and build upon. The passion, resilience, and teamwork on display made it a game to be proud of. Here’s hoping the next match brings the reward this effort truly deserves.

Your Guide to Attending a Liverpool Women’s Match at St Helens

If you’re planning to catch the Liverpool Ladies in action at St. Helens, here’s everything you need to know to make your matchday experience smooth and stress-free.**

Buying Tickets
Tickets for Liverpool Women’s matches can be purchased online at profile.liverpoolfc.com. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one—it’s quick and easy!

Electronic Tickets
Once you’ve secured your tickets, they’ll be sent to you electronically the week leading up to the match. Make sure to download them to your phone ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than holding up the queue because your internet decides to slow down at the worst possible moment.

Parking
There is parking available at the ground—simply drive in and follow the directions to the designated areas. I always make sure to arrive early to secure a spot!

The Pre-Match Email
Don’t overlook the email sent by the club in the lead-up to the game. It’s packed with useful information about what’s happening around the ground before kickoff, including fan activities, food and drink options, and more. It’s also your go-to source for important details like the bag policy.

Bag Policy
All Liverpool matches have a strict bag policy, so plan accordingly. Only bags smaller than A5 size are allowed, unless you have medical reasons for needing a larger bag. If that’s the case, make sure to contact the club in advance for permission.

Final Tips
Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere and activities, grab some merch, and maybe even enjoy a bite to eat. Being prepared will let you focus on what really matters: cheering on the team and enjoying the game.

**Please note that this is the last home game at St. Helens of 2024/2025 so there may be some changes at the start of 2025/2026 season.