Willie Kirk says Everton Ladies must use their impressive second-half display at WSL leaders Arsenal last weekend as “a springboard” ahead of their home clash with Reading on Sunday (2pm).

Having fallen two goals behind against the Gunners, the Toffees took the game to Joe Montemurro’s team and deservedly halved the deficit through Chaney Boye-Hlorkah’s drilled effort on the hour mark.

Kirk praised the resilience and ambition Everton displayed throughout the second period at Meadow Park.

He wants his team to replicate this effort for 90 minutes when Reading visit Southport FC’s Merseyrail Community Stadium.

A victory for the Blue Girls could see them close the gap on ninth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion to one point.

“It is imperative we use the second-half performance as a springboard for our final two matches of this season and beyond,” Kirk told evertonfc.com.

“Arsenal are on the verge of claiming the title and we ran them exceptionally close, forcing this country’s strongest team to alter their tactics and defend in numbers to get over the line.

“There is a sense in the dressing room that we are making forward strides, but nothing raises confidence more than winning matches.

“We have plenty still to play for and taking three points against Reading would potentially keep alive our hopes of climbing above Brighton.”

Kirk joined Everton as manager in December and says he has been encouraged by how his players have taken on board his methods during his time at the Club.

He says the mood is positive within the camp and stressed the importance of delivering a strong finish to the campaign.

After Sunday’s meeting with Reading, the Toffees round off their WSL campaign by taking on city rivals Liverpool at Prenton Park on 11 May.

“I am still learning about Everton and our players and the same is true for my staff,” said Kirk.

“We are happy with how this initial period in charge has unfolded, certainly in terms of the players absorbing our ideas and transferring what we do in training onto the field.

“The environment has improved and the mood is upbeat. We will do our best to finish the season with two victories, starting against Reading on Sunday.”