Everton rescued a vital point in the Women’s Super League as Honoka Hayashi’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
The newly promoted Eagles struck first as high pressing from My Cato enabled Indiah-Paige Riley to find the net just 29 seconds from kick-off.
After a series of promising attacks, The Toffees finally found their final product through a Hayashi header levelling the score-line with 20 minutes left to play.Crystal Palace set the pace early as Cato dispossessed Katja Snoeijs in front of her goal, and squared the ball to an unmarked Riley, who confidently slotted it past Courtney Brosnan.
Hayashi was inches away from producing an instant response as her deflected shot from range clipped the crossbar before being cleared to safety.Despite the setback, Brian Sorenson’s visitors quickly settled, maintaining periods of possession to regain control.Clever hold-up play from Snoeijs allowed Karoline Olesen to make a decisive run and deliver a curling cross, but Katrine Veje was alert to clear the danger.
Palace’s backline stood firm, absorbing Everton’s persistent advances as the Toffees struggled to find a final touch.Olesen crafted a near-breakthrough with a moment of tenacity, closing down Shae Yanez in a high-stakes position. She quickly passed to Heather Payne who looked to set up Toni Payne, but Aimee Everett’s timely interception preserved the Eagles’ lead into the break.
Everton resumed their determined play after the interval, aware of the potential importance a single point could have come the end of the season. Like the first period, the Blues looked active, with T. Payne passing wide to H. Payne in a dangerous crossing position, though the delivery missed the mark.Justine Vanhaevermaet showcased her defensive prowess once more, stretching to divert Ashleigh Weerden’s effort behind for a corner, keeping the visitors’ task manageable.
The equaliser finally came when Hayashi passed wide to Veatriki Sarri before heading into the box to meet Sarri’s inviting cross, looping it into the net.Fuelled from the goal, Everton continued pressing, threatening again when Sarri’s pinpoint delivery reached substitute Melissa Lawley, however her angle was too tight to challenge Yanez.
As the game opened up, Shanade Hopcroft’s powerful volley nearly restored Palace’s lead but a superb save from the Irish International kept the score level.
Energy remained high until the final moments of the game, with Megan Finnegan seeing a powerful attempt rise over the bar, marking the game’s final opportunity in a hard-fought draw at the VBS Community Stadium.
The Toffees will aim to carry this momentum into the historic Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, hoping to claim their first victory of the season against their local rivals.
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