LADIES MARCH ON

Sunday 7 February 2010, 20:00
by Matthew Gamble @efc_mattgamble

Everton Ladies have cruised to the quarter-finals of the FA Women's Cup.

Just four days before Thursday's FA Women's Premier League Cup final, the Blues recorded a comfortable 7-0 victory over Portsmouth at Marine FC, which included a hat-trick from 18-year-old Toni Duggan and one each from Jill Scott, Natasha Dowie, Fara Williams and Jody Handley.

Duggan fired Everton in front after just seven minutes of play before Scott doubled the hosts' advantage just before the interval.

Mo Marley's side took control of proceedings in the second period, and an excellent through-ball from Scott from midfield fell nicely into the path of Dowie who slotted home with ease to put the Blues three up.

Everton made it four after Scott's timely interception from a goal-kick allowed Dowie to square across the face of goal where a waiting Duggan slotted home from close range to net her second of the game.

Captain Williams was next on the scoresheet - an impressive bit of skill saw the midfielder through on goal and she calmly chipped the ball over the visitors' stopper for the Toffees' fifth.

The skipper then sent in a powerful effort which was repelled by the goalkeeper, only to be sharply followed up by winger Handley from close range.

Youngster Duggan then grabbed her hat-trick by firing fiercely into the bottom left-hand corner to finish Everton's impressive tally on seven.

The Toffees now face Blackburn Rovers in the final eight of the competition next weekend.

"I'm more than pleased with the result; it was a good performance today," manager Marley told evertonfc.com.

"We've tried to prepare as best we can for the FA Cup and the Cup final, and I think it showed on the pitch today. Our hard work is starting to come off and I'm pleased with the performance.

"We had a lot of possession, scoring seven against a good, strong Portsmouth team, but I think our dominance came through today and I was pleased with the attacking play."

The Blues aim to pick up their first piece of silverware this season when they take on Leeds Carnegie in the League Cup final on Thursday. Having lifted the same trophy just two years ago, Marley believes her side is at a perfect peak in form to claim it again.

She continued: "If we are consistent in our progression, we have to pick up another trophy this year, and I think if we play to the best of our ability then that will definitely be on the cards come Thursday."

Hear more from Marley and the Everton Ladies in the build-up to the FA Women's Premier League Cup final from Monday.