Everton cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Crystal Palace at Walton Hall Park in the WSL.
A late Kelly Gago finish, coupled with goals from Justine Vanhaevermaet and Sara Holmgaard either side of half-time, secured a clean sheet for the Toffees, placing them in a more comfortable position, 10 points above the drop zone.
It was the visitors though who fashioned the first notable chance of the afternoon, as Ashleigh Weerden unleashed a powerful shot towards the left post, but Courtney Brosnan was equal to it.
A quiet spell followed, with Everton taking control of the tempo and dominating possession.
The Toffees upped the intensity around the 30-minute mark as Gago came close to meeting Holmgaard’s dipping cross.
The breakthrough arrived soon after, as Vanhaevermaet rose at the far post to nod Holmgaard’s floated corner goalwards, giving Everton the lead in the 43rd minute.
Moments later, Toni Payne almost doubled the Toffees advantage. Bursting down the left wing, she evaded her marker and fired a shot towards goal, but Shae Yanez reacted well to parry it away.
Everton continued to press, and just before the interval, Yanez produced an excellent low save from Vanhaevermaet’s header to prevent a near-identical goal to her first.
The Toffees wasted no time in the second half, doubling their lead just 23 seconds after the restart. Holmgaard, having provided the assist for the opener, arrived at the back post to head home Gago’s cross.
In contrast to the first half’s slow start, the second period was action-packed. Palace were awarded a penalty three minutes later, however after consulting with the linesman, the referee overturned the decision, having already played advantage.
Heather Payne came close midway through the half, meeting Gago’s cutback pass on the edge of the area. She was unable to challenge Yanez however, who collected her first-time effort comfortably.
Lucy Hope made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, curling a wonderful cross towards the back post. Gago reached for it but couldn’t direct it past the keeper.
Then came a special moment for Rikke Madsen. With seven minutes to play, Walton Hall Park erupted in applause as she made her first appearance since giving birth to her first child.
Everton weren’t done yet as Gago put the result beyond doubt in additional time, racing past a tried palace defence before cutting inside and coolly flicking the ball into the far corner.
The celebrations continued after the final whistle. In a heart-warming moment, Madsen’s partner surprised her on the pitch before getting down on one knee. She accepted, capping off an unforgettable afternoon.
With five games left in the campaign, Everton now turn their attention to back-to-back trips to Manchester, where they will face Manchester United next before taking on Manchester City.
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