Everton Ladies gave the WSL Champs, Chelsea Ladies, a run for their money yesterday at Kingsmeadow Stadium. The Toffees tested the Chelsea goalkeeper early, with the best chance coming in the 9th minute from newly signed forward Chloe Kelly, who curled a free kick that would’ve gone in if it weren’t for Hedvig Lindahl getting her fingertips on it.

Striker Courtney Sweetman-Kirk scored in the 15th minute but it was unfortunately ruled offside. Not long after that, Sweetman-Kirk won a penalty kick after being taken down in the box and the Blue Girls had a chance to finally go ahead, but her shot hit the post.

Everton Ladies frustrated Chelsea for most of the game, forcing Emma Hayes to bring on three substitutions, which upped the tempo and resulted in a goal into the top corner from Jonna Andersson in the 83rd minute.

Andy Spence’s side can be proud of their efforts against a team that has not suffered a loss yet this season.

Woman of the Match:

Goalkeeper Lizzie Durack made several amazing saves, including stopping a fierce shot from American Crystal Dunn and then diving to stop Karen Carney’s shot only a minute later. There was never a dull moment for Durack, with 9 shots on target from the Chelsea Ladies.

Durack said in a post-match interview that it is all a part of the job:

“I made some saves, but that’s what I’m there to do. As a keeper you look forward to these games, you know you’re going to be challenged, so to pull off a few saves to help the team is my job.”

The goalkeeper found the final result heartbreaking considering their strong start:

“We dominated that first half so we were buzzing going in at half time, and the confidence was high, and we took that until about the 70th minute when we got under the pump a bit. Maybe fatigue kicked in a little bit, and we conceded the goal.”

Lineup:

Everton (4-3-3): Lizzie Durack; Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Georgia Brougham, Gabby George, Danielle Turner; Angharad James, Megan Finnigan, Olivia Chance; Chloe Kelly, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Mollie Green.

Sub: Marthe Munsterman for Chance, Siri Worm for Green

Next up:

Everton Ladies start their SSE Womens’ FA Cup campaign on Sunday against Bristol City.