Everton Ladies notch “best result” this season against Reading

Everton Ladies followed up their impressive effort against Arsenal with a comeback win against Reading, a team currently in fifth place. Manager Willie Kirk told FAWSL.com after the 3-2 win:

“I think that this is the best result that we have had since I came to the club.”

He noted that it was especially challenging time, given that the squad is currently dealing with several injuries. Defenders Gabby George and Georgia Brougham, Midfielder Taylor Hinds, and Forward Chloe Kelly are all out on injury, causing quite a different looking lineup for the Blues:

Lineup:

Everton (4-4-2): Kirstie Levell, Emma Brownlie, Siri Worm, Hannnah Cain, Danielle Turner, Abbey Stringer, Megan Finnigan, Angharad James, Inessa Kaagman, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Simone Magill

After going down 1-0 within the first ten minutes, Inessa Kaagman made it 1-1 right before the half with a lovely chip over the keeper. Kaagman is in form and has now scored two goals in the last three games! Look out for her during the World Cup, where she will be playing for Netherlands. The Orange’s first World Cup game on June 11th happens to be against the only other country with a Blue on their World Cup roster, teammate Olivia Chance for New Zealand.

Speaking of in form, Chaney Boye-Hlorkah has scored a goal in the last two games, including Sunday’s long range shot after a sprint from midfield, which made it 2-1.

Northern Ireland international, Simone Magill, sealed the victory for the Blues with a third goal, making sure Reading’s late second goal wasn’t enough to spoil Everton from taking away all three points.

Goal Highlights:

Manager Kirk credited the win to working hard on set pieces:

“We worked hard this week on looking to react to what Reading do as a side, at set pieces in particular, and that I where our opening goal from Inessa has come from.

“To see the work that we do on the training ground come into a game situation like that is very pleasing.”

Next up:

Everton’s last game of the season will be a Merseyside Derby on Saturday 11 May (12:30 pm) at Prenton Park! The Blues have won twice against the Reds already this season, so how about a third? If Everton wins and Brighton loses or draws, the Blues will end the season in 9th (out of 11).

Elsewhere in the League:

Arsenal have sealed their first place finish in the WSL and Brighton made a new record for highest attendance in the WSL for getting out 5,265 fans at The Amex Stadium on Sunday.