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The beginning of the WSL season started with a rude awakening for Everton as they went down 1-0 after just 42 seconds against Birmingham City.
England international Ellen White won the ball and set it up for Charlie Wellings, who scored against keeper Kirstie Levell.
A goal after just 42 seconds by Charlie Wellings for @BCFCwomen!
— The FA Women's Super League (@FAWSL) September 9, 2018
They lead Everton 1-0 #FAWSL pic.twitter.com/6I7SekHd50
Unfortunately, the Toffees were never able to recover but they were able to keep Birmingham from scoring again.
Two of Everton’s summer signings got the start (Abbey-Leigh Stringer and Inessa Kaagman) while two others were on the bench (Hannah Cain and Dominique Bruinenberg).
Before the game, the club announced that Scottish goalkeeper Becky Flaherty signed with the club, She was a free agent after being dropped by Liverpool Women and she was eligible to be involved in the game as a substitute. Welcome to the club, Becky!
| Here's how the Blue Girls will line-up this afternoon...#COYBG pic.twitter.com/lF2wqXqFtz
— Everton Ladies (@EvertonLadies) September 9, 2018
Manager Andy Spence told the club’s website that while it was disappointing to go down so early, he thought that the second half was positive:
“We were looking for a response second half and we got it. Our play in possession was much better, we were more aggressive, and we created one or two good openings.
”Overall it was disappointing because we want to win games, but there’s enough in the second half to suggest there’s a lot to work with.”
Up next
Everton’s Continental Cup campaign continues against Reading on September 16th.