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Post by Everton News. on Oct 11, 2016 0:21:48 GMT
 Everton Ladies strike victory at Durham WildcatsBlues keep up promotion hopesEverton kept their FA Women’s Super League 2 promotion hopes alive with a crucial 3-1 win at rivals Durham Wildcats. First-half headers from Gabby George and Claudia Walker set them on their way to a ninth win of the season, with Emily Davies' spectacular third putting the seal on it to cut the gap to Bristol to two points with two games left. Beth Hepple's stunning chip gave Durham hope but their challenge is now over after a fine campaign. Everton played some good football at New Ferens Park but it was their aerial prowess which proved vital. They went in front in the eighth minute when Michelle Hinnigan's drive from the edge of the box hammered off the crossbar with the alert George nodding the rebound wide of Helen Alderson's dive. And the advantage was doubled in the 26th minute when Walker's textbook header from Krystle Johnston's ball nestled in the net. Everton could have had the points in the bag by half-time, but Hinnigan saw Alderson make a diving save from a header and then went inches wide with a shot. Nine minutes from half time, Durham were back in it as Hepple lobbed Kirstie Levell from 30 yards. Everton had the best openings of the second half when Walker sent Johnston clear only for the ex-Sunderland winger to shoot wide, while Alderson made a superb low save from an Ellie Stewart header. And the Toffees had the last say deep in stoppage time when Davies netted a beauty from distance just seconds after coming on. Durham Women (4-3-3): Helen Alderson; Ellie Christon, Becky Salicki, Sarah Wilson, Chloe Macek (Annabel Johnson 63); Beth Hepple, Sarah McFadden, Rachel Lee (Nicola Gibson 74); Jordan Atkinson, Natalie Gutteridge (Tyler Dodds 82), Emily Roberts Substitute not used: Megan Borthwick, Goal: Hepple 36 Bookings: Salicki 29, Wilson 65 Goals: George 8, Walker 26, Davies 90 |
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Post by Everton News. on Oct 11, 2016 0:27:50 GMT
 Spence Praises Blues' TogethernessBut boss says Toffees must now 'push harder' with two games remaining.Everton Ladies manager Andy Spence insists he is proud of his players but admits there can be no respite after their key win over Durham. Gabby George, Claudia Walker and Lauren Davies struck for the Toffees, as they returned to Merseyside with a vital three points on Sunday. In doing so, the Blue Girls moved to within two points of leaders Yeovil Town and second place Bristol City, both on 33, with just two games left to play. “I am very proud of how the players went about their individual and collective games,” said manager Spence. “The start we made to the game was outstanding and we could have easily been four goals to the good. The two we scored were pleasing not only for Gabby and Claudia but the fact we worked the goals well as a team and they were both headed as well! “We allowed Durham to come back into the game and we had to show a great deal of heart and resilience to steady ourselves. We did so, and in the second half we still created chances and only excellent goalkeeping meant we scored the third late on. “So many aspects pleased me from the weekend; the players and staff were simply brilliant from the moment we left the training ground on the Saturday until we left Durham after the game. Their passion and desire for doing everything possible to help each other succeed was outstanding - there was a relaxed but really focused mind-set and that came across in how we played. “But now is the time to reflect, review and then push harder over the next two weeks to ensure we are ready to improve on this display for our next game.” Spence was keen to emphasise that he will need his full squad if Everton are to realise their objective of reaching WSL 1, with games against Bristol and London Bees left to play. It was the introduction of midfielder Davies late in the second half that calmed the nerves – her arrowed drive from range making it 3-1 and securing the win – and the Blues chief added that everyone must stick together in the coming weeks. “I have to give a special mention to Lauren,” he insisted. “She has had limited playing opportunities so far this season but for her to come on and score a goal of the season contender shows how professional she has been and reflects how well she has been doing in training to be ready for her opportunity. “The team excelled against Durham and the contribution from staff, players who started, the players who come on and the injured players who didn't play was exemplary. “This is a key ingredient that we will need over the coming weeks.” Up next for Spence's Everton is the visit of Bristol City on 29 October. |
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