LIVERPOOL slipped to defeat in their first game since Robbie Johnson's departure, losing 2-0 to Chelsea at Skelmersdale yesterday.

Fresh from last week's 2-0 victory at Doncaster, new boss Andy Williams named an unchanged side to face a Chelsea team that had lost their previous four games.

After a goalless first half, Liverpool started the second period brightly, and Hannah Keryakoplis had her first sight of goal on 48 minutes as she latched onto a through ball. Under pressure and with goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill advancing, the striker tried a lob but lifted her effort over the bar.

Keryakoplis was again a thorn in the Chelsea side five minutes later, as she broke down the right before feeding Lynda Shepherd, who saw her spectacular long-range strike brilliantly tipped over.

Liverpool kept the pressure on and should have taken the lead seconds later, when Chloe Jones drove into the box and squared for Kelly Jones, with the winger just unable to get a shot away under pressure from Katie Sherwood.

Despite being on the back foot since half-time, on 63 minutes, Chelsea showed the clinical edge that had deserted them in the first period.

Lander made progress down the left wing before sending in a cross that Susi managed to hook past Davies and into the far corner.

They should have doubled their lead on 75 minutes. Longhurst was played through by Susi, and after Davies saved her first attempt, the Chelsea forward saw her rebound well cleared off the line by Vicky Jones. The respite didn't last long though, as, from the resulting Buet corner, Gemma Bonner headed home off the underside of the crossbar.

Substitute Emily Gielnik then squandered a great chance in the closing seconds, and Quantrill made sure of her clean sheet by pushing Brusell's 93rd minute shot around the post.

Liverpool now have one game left before the mid-season break – they travel to Ashby Avenue to play Lincoln next weekend.