Durham Women fell to defeat at title-elect Liverpool despite a battling performance at Prenton Park.
Rachel Furness’ brace and Katie Stengel’s header were enough for the Reds as they made set-pieces count.
The Wildcats began brightly and saw an early opportunity thwarted when Rachael Laws claimed Mollie Lambert’s through ball just ahead of Emily Roberts,
But Liverpool grew into the game and took the lead with nine minutes on the clock – Furness firing home after being the quickest react to a flick-on from a corner.
That buoyed the hosts and Stengel saw an effort deflected narrowly over, with the Reds also looking a constant threat from set pieces.
As the half progressed through, Durham grew into things and there was a major appeal for a penalty turned down when Lambert’s cross looked to hit an arm.
But Liverpool ended the half strongly with Naoisha McAloon spectacularly denying Leanne Kiernan from point-blank range.
A second would come before the break though – Stengel flicking home from a Megan Campbell long-throw.
Durham looked to get forward after the restart and Beth Hepple warmed the palms of Laws with an early effort rom range.
McAloon then had to deny another effort from a long throw with a spectacular save, before Furness added a third with a bullet header.
The Wildcats continued to press forward and saw plenty of the ball in the final third in the late stages of the game, but they failed to test Laws.
There were shouts for a penalty in the dying moments when Rio Hardy was hauled down when clear through on goal, while Kiernan and Missy-Bo Kearns had big chances to add some gloss to the scoreline.
But there would be no further goals, as Durham turn their attentions to the trip to Watford next week.