Wolves Women got their pre-season off to an impressive start, finishing runners-up at the Keele International Tournament.

Manager James Astle's decision to enter his young side into the elite section of the competition proved to be inspirational as they defeated some top sides on their way to the final.

The 16-strong squad was made up partly of seasoned players and partly of youngsters, several of them graduates of Wolves Girls' Centre of Excellence who were making their senior debuts.

Their opening game against Liverpool was a real wake-up call, as the new Super League side showed their flair, beating Wolves comprehensively 6-0.

Wolves regrouped to take on Premier League side Blackburn Rovers, and Dani Selmes was on target with the only goal of the game to register the club's first win of the tournament.

Day Two saw Wolves take on Northern Premier side Manchester City, and for the second time in the competition, they surprised everyone with a 1-0 win.

This time the goal came from Centre of Excellence graduate Jade Salisman, who got on the end of a fine ball from a Kirstie Bavington corner.

Wolves were now through to the semi-finals, pitched against FA Cup-winners Everton.

The Toffees were 2-0 up by the break, but a determined Wolves side managed to level the score in the second half.

Selmes found the net from an Amber Quick cross, while the second goal was another cross from Quick, which struck an Everton defender and ended up in the net.

The draw forced a penalty shoot-out, which saw Wolves triumph after two misses for Everton, and an excellent save from Wolves' keeper Alison Spriggs.

The win put Wolves through to the final, which meant they met Liverpool again, who hadn't lost a game throughout the tournament.

A tired Wolves side battled hard in the first half, only to go in 1-0 down at the break.

But the second half proved too much for Astle's young side, as Liverpool put another six goals past them, despite some excellent saves from Spriggs in the Wolves goal.

The result was hard to take after such a successful tournament for the Wolves side.

Manager Astle said: "I'm really proud of the players.

"For many of them it's their first taste of football at this level, and it was a real eye-opener, which hopefully will stand them in good stead for the season ahead.

"They've come away with a medal and some valuable experience."

SQUAD: Alison Spriggs, Kirstie Bavington, Layla Salter, Sarah Williams, Anna Perks (captain), Amber Quick, Abby Pope, Dani Selmes, Nicola Durnall, Sophie Powell, Jade Salisman, Emily Owen, Hayley Packer, Becky Taylor, Tash Tranter, Rebecca Large.