WSL Report and Analysis: Everton Women 0-1 Manchester United
WSL Report and Analysis: Everton Women 0-1 Manchester United
Everton Women lost to Manchester United early on thanks to a goal from Grace Clinton,
but Clare Wheeler hailed her team’s perseverance.
The fact that Inma Gabarro became the second Toffee to depart the field
of play in as many games due to what appeared to be a serious injury added insult to injury during the encounter.
Everton had opportunities to win the game and refused to let a
challenging beginning define their 90 minutes, but Marc Skinner’s team prevailed to take the three points.
Wheeler also gave her opponents and her colleagues’ tenacity credit,
even if she said they needed to improve if they wanted to see results.
Everton found themselves a goal down after virtually the first attack.
Clinton found space in the box and finished confidently in the bottom corner to give United an early lead.
Katja Snoeijs almost made an immediate response to the deficit,
but Phallon Tullis-Joyce was equal to her effort.
The home side were growing in confidence and Gabarro was next to test the visitors.
The Spaniard collected from Wheeler but saw her effort blocked by a frantic United rearguard.
Wheeler was then denied twice in quick succession.
First, her effort was stopped by Tullis-Joyce before the Australian miscued a long-range shot high and wide, a minute later.
Gabarro’s influence was cut short after her injury saw her replaced by Veatriki Sarri,
although Brian Sorensen’s side remained on the front foot despite the setback.
With Wheeler at the forefront,
the Blues were more than capable of keeping up with their visitors’ physical styles. The midfield player came dangerously close once more,
but Tullis-Joyce was relieved that her left-footed drive missed the mark.
Elisabeth Terland was set up by Geyse after a quick break,
and United should have taken the lead two seconds later, but the striker missed the mark.
In Walton Hall Park, the conflict was turning into an attrition war,
and neither side was willing to give up. Niggly fouls caused tempers to flare up,
and as the first half entered its eighth minute of added time, Snoeijs and Jayde Riviere were both given yellow cards.
Referee Kirsty Dowle called fouls on both sides, and the second half continued where the first had ended.
And it was from a set piece that the half’s opening chance would go to Everton.
Elise Stenevik was the tallest person in the congested area, but her header from a pinpoint delivery went wide.
Lucy Hope ought to have intervened first, but Clinton answered but was denied a second when her shot was soundly blocked by an obstinate Everton defense.
After a late challenge, the Dane became the newest name in Dowle’s book and threatened to lose her composure minutes later.
Ella Toone produced a nice ball, but Courtney Brosnan had to be on her to deny Terland shortly after the hour mark. stopper’s superb save.
Everton The attention of women will now turn to Wednesday night’s Women’s League Cup action,
as Sorensen leads his team to the North East to take on Newcastle United, a team from the Women’s Championship.
On Wednesday, October 2, kickoff is at 7 p.m. (BST) at Kingston Park.
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