Ruby Mace scored twice to deliver Everton Women a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City at Goodison Park, moving the Toffees into the top half of the Barclays Women’s Super League table ahead of the international break.
Mace opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a composed finish into the top corner, making her the first Everton player to net in this WSL season. The goal came after Yuka Momiki’s effort rebounded off the post, causing confusion in the Birmingham defence. However, Birmingham striker Oceane Hurtre responded swiftly, equalising three minutes later with a precise strike into the bottom right corner of Courtney Brosnan’s goal, leaving the sides level at halftime.
Scott Phelan, Everton’s manager, made three changes from their previous match at Anfield, bringing back the experienced Yuka Momiki, Honoka Hayashi, and Maz Pacheco. Hayashi created the game’s first chance, meeting a Hannah Blundell cross, but her shot lacked power and was comfortably saved by Birmingham’s goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley. Everton’s Zara Kramzar was forced off injured just before the half-hour mark, replaced by Holly McNamara.
The first half ended with Birmingham appearing more comfortable on the ball, but the visitors could not capitalise further. The second half started with Birmingham pressing, Neve Herron and Lily Crosthwaite both coming close to scoring, though Herron’s effort went wide and Crosthwaite’s curling shot missed the target.
Everton introduced Rion Ishikawa and Hannah Cain to gain control as the match progressed. Their pressure paid off in the 72nd minute when Ornella Vignola found Mace on the edge of the box. Mace’s shot took a deflection and slipped past Baggaley into the left corner, giving Everton the lead once again and sparking celebrations among the home fans.
Birmingham pushed for an equaliser late on, forcing Everton to defend resolutely. McNamara thought she had sealed the win with a goal in injury time, but her effort was ruled out by the linesman’s flag.
With this victory, Everton secured their fourth consecutive home win in the WSL, improving their league standing ahead of the international break. Their next fixture will be a challenging trip to London to face London City Lionesses, who recently climbed to third place in the table after a 6-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The Lionesses sit just behind Chelsea and current champions Manchester City in the standings.
According to Yahoo Sports.
