AN EARLY top-of-the-table clash saw Liverpool Feds play Chorley Ladies at Euxton Villa and it did not let the neutrals down.

Chorley dominated the opening ten minutes with early efforts from Charlotte Higginson and Ruth Harrison narrowly missing the Liverpool goal.

Liverpool took the lead against the run of play through a mix-up in the Chorley defence, which allowed the striker to tap the Feds ahead.

But the lead wasn’t held for long as Vicky Coope’s corner found the head of Higginson who headed past the helpless ‘keeper.

The game was open and Chorley pounced to take the lead as Coope found the net with a volley from six yards after an inch-perfect cross from Jennifer King.

Moments later, Coope was celebrating again. A one-two with Natalie Parry split the Liverpool defence to find Coope, who slotted past the ‘keeper.

The game suddenly stepped up a level and Liverpool took a firm hold. A second error in the Chorley defence and poor marking on a free kick brought Liverpool equal at the break.

Roger Leigh, the Chorley manager inspired the Lancashire side with his half-time team talk and Coope sealed her hat-trick with an outstanding lob from 40 yards moments after the interval.

Chorley took the momentum forward and cashed in again shortly after as Rachel Wood went on a pacey run before crossing low for Coope to hammer her fourth of the game.

Star of the show Coope then blasted home her fifth, and Chorley’s sixth of the evening, from long range to put the ladies into a 6-3 lead.

However, Liverpool were not down and out and two quick goal set up a nail-biting finale. But Chorley held on to take the three points, which sees them sit second in the FA Premier Division One North.