Former Liverpool FC Women’s star Natasha Dowie made history as she became the first woman to take part in the club’s annual legends game – making her mark within moments of being introduced from the bench with a crunching tackle.
The ex-England international’s legacy on Merseyside is already secure, with the retired striker having represented both the Reds and neighbors Everton during her glittering career. During her time wearing the colors of the red half of the city, she won successive Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.
Across two spells with the Merseyside giant, Dowie became Liverpool Women’s all-time leading goalscorer to write her name into the history books. Having made her entrance during the charity legends game against Chelsea as a first-half substitute, she wasted no time in rolling back the years as she replaced Momo Sissoko on the field.
Introduced wearing the No. 9 by manager Sir Kenny Dalglish, she was cheered by the Kop as she became the first woman to take part in the annual legends fixture at Anfield. Just moments after being sent on, she then proceeded to tackle Claude Makelele, who was left writhing in pain following the tackle.
The challenge led to a free-kick being given against the Reds on the edge of their opponents’ box, as the Frenchman hobbled away in front of the Anfield Road end. From there, the 36-year-old ex-forward also tackled Chelsea’s Ramires, who also was floored by the lunge – this time in the middle of the park.
The home faithful showed their appreciation for the attacker’s unwavering efforts, as she showed her competitive nature by winning the ball back for her side. After the interception on the Brazilian, Dowie then showed her ability to link the play as she got the ball out of her feet before setting Liverpool up on the attack.
Coming into the game at Anfield, the 14-time international spoke of her pride as she prepared to take to the field alongside ex-Reds skippers Gerrard and Sami Hyypia, as well as Kop favorites Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt. She told the club’s official website: “It’s so exciting for us to include female players in this year’s legends game.
(Image: LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“We’re the first to do this at club level, we are pioneers, and it’s a big thing for young girls and boys to see this happening,” the club ambassador continued.
Speaking at a press conference before the clash with Chelsea’s legends side – which includes names such as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dennis Wise and Gianfranco Zola – she said: “Thank you to the Foundation for making this happen. I think it’s a big moment for the club to be the first to involve a woman within the game. Hopefully it will inspire lots of young girls and boys.
“I wasn’t able to play football at primary school or secondary school; girls weren’t allowed to play football. For me to be in this position as the first female ambassador of the club, my task is to always try and be the first, the first to play in a legends game, but hopefully not the last as well. So yes, selfishly, it’s incredible. I can’t wait.
“I’ve got all my friends and family coming up,” she confirmed. “But I’m doing this not just for myself, but you know 5, 10, 15 years’ time, hopefully this can be the next thing and this can be something that we collaborate on again.”
