Liverpool retained their Women's Super League title on goal difference in a dramatic finish to the season as Chelsea crashed to defeat at Manchester City while Birmingham were held.
Three teams began the afternoon with hopes of lifting the trophy but Liverpool were last in the queue, having been all but out of it a few weeks ago.
However, after cruising to a 3-0 win over Bristol Academy at Widnes the Liverpool players waited nervously on the pitch and were rewarded as City, down to 10, hung on for a 2-1 win over Chelsea while Birmingham were held to a 2-2 draw by Notts County.
Given Birmingham's result, Chelsea would have only needed a draw to be sure of the crown but, after goalkeeper Marie Hourihan went off with injury, debutant reserve Clare Farrow conceded twice before half-time, at fault for Jill Scott's opener before Toni Duggan volleyed in a brilliant second.
Chelsea finally pulled one back through Gilly Flaherty with 20 minutes to go and they piled on the pressure after Abbie McManus was sent off for an elbow, but could not find a leveller.
The drama for Liverpool all came after the final whistle.
Second-half goals from Natasha Dowie, Lucy Bronze and Fara Williams made their result secure, so they only had to wait for news elsewhere, and began celebrating wildly as soon as the final whistle went in Manchester.
That was despite the fact they were still playing at Birmingham - where a late goal for the hosts would have snatched the title away.
However, Birmingham, who came from 2-0 down with goals Kirsty Linnett and Hannah Keryakpolis, could not add a further late twist on the day.
Source: PA
