|
|
Post by Everton News. on Dec 5, 2021 13:42:02 GMT
VASSEUR TO MISS DURHAM MATCH
Everton can confirm Women’s manager Jean-Luc Vasseur will not be in attendance at Walton Hall Park for today’s Continental Cup match against Durham.
Vasseur is currently self-isolating after being notified by the Government’s track-and-trace system. The Frenchman has tested negative for COVID-19 and is fully vaccinated but, due to receiving his vaccine outside of the United Kingdom, he is subject to mandatory quarantine.
In his absence, Assistant Manager Frédéric Piquionne and coach Claire Ditchburn will take charge of the Everton team for today’s match against Durham.
Vasseur will return to the dugout for the visit of West Ham United next Sunday 12 December.
|
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Dec 5, 2021 13:43:04 GMT
Captain's notes
It’s another cup game and we still mathematically have a chance of progression from the group stage so we’re looking to get three points this afternoon.
It has been a busy couple of weeks for our squad.
We had a number of players away enjoying successful international camps with their nations, while the girls who remained on site at USM Finch Farm have been working hard in preparation for a busy month of fixtures.
We went into the international break off the back of two positive results and we hope we can build upon that, starting with Durham today.
Durham will give us a tough game.
They’re always near the top of the Championship table so we know they’re a decent side.
I expect them to be really organised.
We can never underestimate the teams in the lower divisions.
We know they can cause problems with creative players like they did in our match last season.
We have to be focused and concentrated, but at the same time we have to be patient because they will be organised and difficult to break down.
It won’t be an easy game but we’re looking forward to it and confident we can get a result.
It’s the first of three home games in a row and we want to get as many fans down to Walton Hall Park as possible.
You all made a massive difference in the match against Manchester United. We really felt the atmosphere that day.
Hopefully we can hear you cheer us on again today and we can get more victories under our belt over the next few weeks.
For the Evertonians who are attending their first game today, I would like to wish you a warm welcome.
If this is your first time supporting the team at Walton Hall Park, then I can let you know that you should expect a team that gives everything right to the very end.
Hopefully we can put on a good performance and result to encourage you to support us over the coming weeks and beyond.
We hope you enjoy the game.
Dan
|
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Dec 5, 2021 13:44:59 GMT
Simone Magill says she is loving her football at present as the in-form Everton Women striker looks to continue her scoring run against Durham in Sunday's Continental Cup clash at Walton Hall Park (1pm GMT).
The 27-year-old came off the bench in the Blues’ last two outings, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United and the winning strike in a 1-0 win AT Leicester City.
Her electric form continued with Northern Ireland, scoring four goals away to North Macedonia before providing four assists and a goal in the home fixture against the same opponent.
Speaking to evertonfc.com, Magill expressed her delight at her scoring run.
“I’m really enjoying playing football at the minute,” she said. “I missed the start of the season with being injured off the back of the last campaign.
“I’ve been itching to get going and thankfully I’ve got off the mark quite quickly.
“To carry that form into my international duties as well shows that I’m really enjoying it.
“To have contributed a lot to both assists and goals across the two games has been fantastic for my confidence.
“I just want to keep going.
“Ever since I have come back, every game I’ve played in I have either scored, assisted or influenced the game.
“I want to make that a trend and if I can keep that up it would be fantastic.”
The long-serving Blues forward gave an honest assessment of her performances last season – and explained her drive to improve her game.
"Last season, I felt I didn’t put as much pressure on myself to try to score goals," Magill said.
“As you get more experience, you start to learn about where the right places to be are [to get into scoring positions] and when to arrive in those areas.
“When a new manager comes in as well, I think every player wants to make a lasting impression.
“You’re trying to put yourself out there and show exactly what you can do.
“I’ve come off the bench both times [in Everton's past two matches] and scored to get us points, so I’m delighted with how I have done that and contributed to the team.
“Hopefully that does continue as we move on into the rest of the season.”
Off the field, Magill has endured a difficult period since the start of the campaign – revealing she has "been hit with a lot at once" following a family bereavement.
Finding her escapism in football, she hopes she can build upon her recent success heading into the new year – and with a European Championship with Northern Ireland to look forward to in summer 2022.
“We all go through various things...I’m just trying to overcome that, and this is the way that I’m trying to do it [by playing football.
“So far it’s going really well and hopefully I can look to build on it going into what is a really big year for Club and country."
Success for Magill hasn’t just been about her contribution to the scoreline.
The Everton forward completed 90 minutes in back-to-back games for her nation, the first time she has been able to achieve that for club or country since April earlier this year.
With focus now back on club fixtures, Magill believes she’s back to match fitness and is ready to start for the Blues when called upon.
“It was really good for me to get away with Northern Ireland because I got two full games under my belt.
“For me, mentally, to get over that 90-minute hurdle and to do it twice and come out the other side feeling really good about it has been really crucial for me.
“I think it puts me in a really good position now to show everyone that I’m back to match fitness and I can endure playing a full match or even starting a game.
“Fingers crossed I can hopefully get that opportunity soon.”
Up first for Magill in the final month of 2021 fixtures is a test against Durham in Sunday's Continental Cup group stage clash.
Everton contested close encounter against this weekend’s opponents in a 2-1 FA Cup win in April – and Magill is expecting another tight match on Sunday.
“Durham is by no means an easy game.
“It will be a very physical game and they’ll be coming to try and create an upset.
“We recognise that it’ll be one heck of a challenge and we’ve got to be ready for it.
“Ultimately, I think we have to go into these games looking to win but if we can be ruthless and clinical then that’s what we are going to do because everything matters in these games in terms of goal difference.
“That’s very much what we are aiming to do.”
Everton FC
|
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Dec 5, 2021 13:46:22 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Everton News. on Dec 5, 2021 13:46:38 GMT
Watch live here:
|
|
