City Women were under pressure for considerable periods in the match, but resolute defence and strong leadership saw the team through for a well-earned point.

The Merseysiders had to endure 80 minutes of frustration before breaking the deadlock.

Substitute Katie Zelem fired the Reds into the lead after the Vixens failed to deal with Shanice van de Sanden’s ball across the face of goal.

City Women hit back five minutes later when substitute Lily Agg also got in on the goal action, nodding home a cross from Claire Emslie.

Amidst a chaotic five minutes, Liverpool were reduced to ten players in the final minutes when sub Kate Longhurst picked up her second booking for a foul on Lily Agg.

The leaders went into the game having scored 18 goals in their opening five games, but were unable to pierce the well-organised home defence before the break.

The closest they came was in the eighth minute when Vixens keeper Caitlin Leach deflected a shot from ex-Vixen Tash Harding away from the top corner brilliantly.

The leaders could already have been behind three minutes earlier when Hayley Ladd’s shot following a corner looked destined for the net – but struck her team-mate Olivia Fergusson before being cleared to safety.

Though Liverpool forced a succession of corners and had the majority of possession, they could not find a way through.

And that continued after the break when Sophie Ingle blazed wide from eight yards, Jess Clarke saw a 30-yard attempt clear the bar and Gemma Bonner also headed over the top.

Home keeper Leach then pulled off a fine save to keep out Harding’s header from a free-kick before the late goals flurry.

However, City Women also had chances with Chloe Arthur and Claire Emslie both going close with great efforts.

The result sees Liverpool remain in command at the top of the Spring Series, with City Women lying eighth in the table with four points, one point behind Sunderland.

Tickets for Bristol City Women’s remaining Spring Series games are available via https://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/en-gb/categories/bristolcitywomenhome

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