Goals from Keira Walsh, Janine Beckie and Nikita Parris secured the win for City, responding to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s opener and maintaining our place at the top of the WSL.
What happened
City started brightly, taking the game to the visitors. Tessa Wullaert‘s surging run caused trouble for the Everton defence, but her shot on goal lacked the power to beat Kirstie Levell.
Nine places and 29 points separated the two sides going into the game, but that wasn’t going to stop Willie Kirk’s team from having a go.
Their high press caused trouble for City’s back line, and after charging down Ellie Roebuck‘s attempted clearance, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah slotted the ball into the empty net to put Everton 1-0 up just 12 minutes into the game.
Despite going behind, Nick Cushing’s side seemed determined to play flowing football out from the back - Megan Campbell conducting and starting City’s attacks, one of which resulting in a tricky Lauren Hemp run down the right wing, only for her effort to be well caught by Levell.
With just five minutes left of the first half, City had the ball in the net - Hemp’s finish ruled out for offside.
The Blues were a whisker away from making it all square at the break. Walsh cut inside from the left wing, and unleashed a brilliant curling effort just wide of the top corner.
City made it level just two minutes into the second half. Hemp’s low shot was blocked and fell perfectly for Walsh who rifled the ball into the Everton net - exactly the reaction Cushing will have been after.
After a series of corners, we were 2-1 up. Claire Emslie‘s in-swinging delivery to the back post was met by Beckie’s header, which looped over Levell.
City looked to put the game to bed late in the second half - Hemp came closest as her effort struck the post.
We caught the visitors on the break as they pressed for an equaliser. Parris’ fresh legs sped clear of the Everton defence, and her sublime chip added a third goal for City.
How we lined up
Ellie Roebuck started in goal, protected by a back four of Demi Stokes, Campbell, Steph Houghton and Esme Morgan. The midfield was made up of Walsh, Jill Scott, Tessa Wullaert and Emslie, whilst Hemp and Beckie led the line.
Up next
We’re in the Conti Cup final against Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Then, we travel to Reading back in WSL action on March 13th.
