Kelly Gago and Heather Payne netted their first Everton goals leading the Blues into the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Walton Hall Park.
A hard-fought performance made the difference for the hosts, being rewarded through Gago in the 48th minute when she capitalised on an inch-perfect cross from Sara Holmgaard.
Payne then secured the Blues’ place in the next round as she drilled a strike towards goal in the 92nd minute, delivering the final blow to the visitors.
Everton began the contest on the front foot, seeing a Lucy Hope header drift narrowly wide following a pinpoint delivery from Holmgaard’s corner.
However, a moment of concern swept over Walton Hall Park when club captain Megan Finnegan was forced off in the early phases of the match with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The hosts’ additional sentiment motivated the Toffees to sustain their spirited performance, showcasing excellent control and possession.
Gago tested the goalkeeper after being played through by Honoka Hayashi’s defensive-splitting pass. The French forward evaded her marker and struck toward goal, but Eleanor Heeps reacted quickly to deny her.
Everton’s positivity going forward was maintained throughout the first half as Katja Snoeijs unleashed a powerful strike from outside the area, forcing another save.
Just minutes after the restart Gago gave the Blues a well-deserved lead as she connected with Holmgaard’s precise delivery across the goalmouth, rifling the ball into the top corner.
The glowing assist maker had a go of her own, sending a looping header just inches wide of the far post.
With the January signing opening her account for Everton, Heather Payne followed suit later, adding her first goal for the club, and securing the victory for the Blues.
In the dying moments of the game, the Irish international seized on Toni Payne’s cutback pass, blasting a thunderous shot from outside the six-yard box into the bottom-left corner, doubling the Blues advantage.
Everton now prepare for their fifth-round challenge on Sunday 9th February with a trip to the capital to face Chelsea.
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