The blues were handed their second defeat of the season when coming up against reigning WSL Champions, Chelsea. The visiting side left with a 3-1 win, with goals coming from Pernille Harder and Niamh Charles and our goal coming from an own goal.
Everton started the game strong showcasing just how much they have improved from last season, there was lots of positives to take from the game after the hard-working display from Brian Sørensen’s players. Chelsea imposed themselves as the half went on and took the lead through Pernille Harder. The toffee’s were perhaps unfortunate to head into half time a goal down.
At the start of the second half, the blues picked up from where they left off, showcasing their talent and earning themselves the equaliser. Hanna Bennison took the free kick, playing it into the box to find Megan Finnigan. Finnigan headed the ball towards Gabby George, whose first attempt was saved by Chelsea’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, however the ball bounced off Kadeisha Buchanan and landed in the back of Chelsea’s net.
The draw didn’t last long as Guro Reiten appeared to be fouled by Courtney Brosnan inside the box and the visitors were awarded a penalty. Pernille Harder stepped up to take the penalty, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Chelsea the lead and gaining her second goal of the afternoon.
Niamh Charles stopped Everton’s hopes of getting the equaliser by breaking away on the counter attack and getting the London side’s third goal of the game and sealing the three points.
Incredible to see Walton Hall Park sold out for the second time. A new record attendance at the game too, 1,668 spectators came out to support the blue’s. In a post match interview, new signing Elise Stenevik was asked about the crowd and said “ It was really nice, you can hear them screaming and cheering us on and that gives you energy. We are really grateful for everyone that comes and when they are sat so close it’s really cozy as well.”
Danish defender Katrine Veje impressed again in the match, she is going to be a key player in our squad this season. Clare Wheeler made her debut for the toffee’s after coming back from injury. Karen Holmgaard made her first start for the blues, a quality player, someone who gave Everton pace and pushed the team forward. Elise Stenevik also made her first start for Everton at Walton Hall Park yesterday and was incredible through out the game, she looks really promising and I hope she will get more game time in the upcoming matches.
Everton are back in action in the WSL on the 22nd of October, away to Aston Villa. They are back at Walton Hall Park to face Villa again in the Continental Cup on the 26th of October as well.
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