What happened
We came back not once but twice in an eventful opening game of the WSL season, with Jodie Taylor netting a last-minute penalty to grab all three points against Birmingham.
We began the game with promise, and in the hope of finding an early goal Jordan Nobbs took aim from long range, but could only fire wide.
A few minutes later, Dominique Janssen sent a searching ball down the right to Beth Mead who in turn squared to Taylor at the back post. The striker met Mead’s pass, but shot narrowly wide.
Moments later Taylor was set up once more, but this time struck the woodwork, with Birmingham scrambling at the back to clear.
Despite us having the better of the early exchanges, it was the visitors who took the lead through Ellen White when the former Gunner raced through and fired a shot past Sari van Veenendaal.
We didn't let our heads drop and continued to put keep the pressure up on the Blues. A mix up at the back from the visitors almost saw Dan Carter race in to score, but it was Taylor who found our equaliser.
Played in through by Jessica Samuelson just past the half-hour mark, the striker made no mistake aa she fizzed her effort past Ann-Katrin Berger to draw us level.
We started the second half much as we did the first. After a great passing move, which saw us carve open Birmingham’s defence, Mead struck the post.
Despite having the better of the opening minutes, it was the visitors who took the lead once more, with White bagging her second of the game, this time beating Van Veenendaal with a powerful low effort.
Looking to protect their lead, Birmingham sat back as we pushed for the next goal. With most of our players committed upfield. The visitors led by White, broke with pace, forcing substitute Louise Quinn into making professional foul, which saw her sent off.
Despite this, we continued to apply the pressure and soon found our second equaliser through another substitute, Lisa Evans as she beat Ann-Katrin from close range.
Not happy with just the point, Evans made sure to pick the ball up and keep the pressure on. The Scotland international’s speed was quickly rewarded and just a few minutes later we were awarded a penalty for a handball. Taylor stepped up to take the spot kick and coolly fired the ball in to complete a fine comeback.
What’s next
Up next is an away trip to the WSL and FA Cup champions Manchester City, who defeated newly-promoted Yeovil Town 4-0.
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