A stunning strike from Aggie Beever-Jones capped off a scintillating Everton display as the Blues cruised past West Ham to move up to fifth in the Women's Super League table.
Everton took to the field at Walton Hall Park hoping to build on their impressive performance against Reading last time out, while West Ham travelled to Merseyside looking to bounce back from last weekend's narrow defeat to Manchester City. Paul Konchesky's side took all three points when the two sides met in the opening game of the season at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Everton winless in their last four WSL meetings with Hammers.
Brian Sorensen made two changes to the side that triumphed over the Royals, with Clare Wheeler and Megan Finnigan coming in for Aurora Galli and Nathalie Bjorn. Konchesky meanwhile stuck with the same XI that were edged out by Manchester City, with the dangerous Viviane Asseyi leading the line for the visitors.
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It was Everton who made a brighter start to the contest; Karen Holmgaard nodding home a sublime Jess Park cross to give the hosts the lead inside three minutes. The Blues doubled their advantage minutes later, with Megan Finngan getting on the end of Nicoline Sorensen's excellent corner delivery.
West Ham responded well to the early sucker-punch, pressing forward and enjoying the lion's share of possession without really troubling Emily Ramsey in the Everton goal. Their best chance came early in the second half; Kate Loghurt blazing an effort over the bar from just a few yards out.
And the Hammers were made to pay for the spurned opportunity as substitute Aggie Beever-Jones rifled a stunning long-range effort into the top corner to make it 3-0.
The victory sees Everton climb above mid-table rivals Aston Villa and marks the first time in more than two years the Blues have won three consecutive WSL games. Sorensen's side will return to action next weekend when they welcome Birmingham City to Walton Hall Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup
Here's how the players got on at Walton Hall Park...
Emily Ramsey - 7
Perhaps could have been more commanding with an early set piece but did well to punch a dangerous cross away under pressure. A spectator for much of the second half.
Rikke Sevecke - 8
Her typically imposing self at the back. Even set George away with an impressive foray forward in the first half.
Gabby George - 7
Came close with an effort in the first half. Looked to get forward.
Clare Wheeler - 6
Did a tidy job in the middle of the park despite plenty of West Ham pressure late on in the first half.
Hanna Bennison - 7
Calm and composed in the middle of the park. Recycled possession well.
Jess Park - 7
Set up Holmgaard with a lovely cross early on and led Everton's press.
Nicoline Sorensen - 7
Super delivery for Finnigan's goal. Looking increasingly sharp as she works her way back to full fitness.
Lucy Hope - 6
A typical battling performance from the Scot. Some important interceptions and looked to get forward more in the second half.
Megan Finnigan - 8
Headed absolutely everything, including Everton's first goal. Really impressive on her first start after injury.
Katja Snoeijs - 6
Pressed well in the first half. Faded slightly after the break. Subbed.
Karen Holmgaard - 7
Gave Everton the lead with an early header. Looked to bring the ball forward from the back.
Substitutes:
Aggie Beever-Jones - 7
Scored a stunning long-range effort to make it 3-0.
Aurora Galli - 6
Demanded the ball and did a solid job in the middle of the park.
Izzy Christiansen - 6
Not afraid to get stuck into a challenge after her introduction.
Sara Holmgaard
Minutes.
Elise Stenevik
Minutes.
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