Everton secured victory over Aston Villa with 4-2 win in a penalty shootout in the first Continental Cup game this season for the blues.
Eight changes were made to the original side that beat Villa 1-0 away at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Saturday. Defender Kenzie Weir got her first start for Everton.
Everton made a strong start to the game passing the ball around confidently. Although the blues started positively, it was Villa that had the first breakthrough of the game. Former Everton player Kenza Dali went through on goal, however goalkeeper Emily Ramsey pushed her low shot out and around the post, putting it out for a corner.
The visitors grew in confidence deeper into the first half. Emily Ramsey put in a phenomenal performance, denying Villa’s captain Rachel Corsie, then again saving a powerful strike from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, minutes later.
The toffee’s got their first chance with Elise Stenevik flying past the Villa defence, however her effort was placed wide. More saves were made by Emily Ramsey, tipping Rachel Corsie’s close range shot over the bar, keeping the teams level going into half time.
Villa’s goal came just minutes after the start of the second half, Natasha Harding slotted the ball past Ramsey and into the back of the net.
Brian Sørensen made a double substitution at the hour mark, Jess Park and Nathalie Björn came on and made an instant impact. Following pressure from Aurora Galli, Aston Villa were caught in possession within their own half. Substitute Jess Park picked up the ball and put Aggie Beever-Jones through on goal with the perfect pass.
The Chelsea loanee showed great composure to go around the goalkeeper and calmly slot the ball into the empty net to score her first goal in royal blue.
The introduction of Jess Park into the game caused major problems for Aston Villa, she got close to goal on two occasions. The blues looked likely to find the winner before the full time whistle. Despite the pressure from Everton, the game ended in a draw and a penalty shootout was required to see which side would gain the extra point.
Elise Stenevik, Hanna Bennison and Lucy Graham all scored from the penalty spot to put Everton ahead, Emily Ramsey made two sensational saves to deny Anna Patten and Laura Blindkilde-Brown. Nathalie Björn was given the opportunity to win the game for the blues, the Swedish international fired the ball into the top corner of the net to secure the extra point.
Everton are back at Walton Hall Park on Sunday the 30th of October to face Manchester United in the WSL. Everton are currently 4th in the table with 9 points whereas Manchester United are 2nd with 12 points.
About The Author
Leave a Reply