A late own-goal at Walton Hall Park saw Everton secure back-to-back wins as the hosts beat Leicester City 1-0 in a dramatic encounter on Thursday night.
The Toffees carried momentum from Sunday's historic win at Anfield and began the evening brightly, with Jess Park causing all kinds of problems down the right.
Great interplay by the recently called up England international and Katja Snoeijs unleashed Izzy Christiansen, but the Everton captain was well held up when looking to play in the over-lapping Gabby George.
Soon after, Snoeijs was presented with an opportunity herself and tested Kirsty Levell with a low effort, only for the referee to adjudge her of fouling a Leicester defender.
The best chance of the half then followed, as combative midfield play by Nathalie Bjorn started the attack. The Swede played in Christiansen who had picked up a great position inside the penalty area, but her tempting delivery narrowly evaded the onrushing Snoeijs.
Leicester started well after the break and were denied an opener through brave Emily Ramsey goalkeeping. Sam Tierney broke into the box and got on the end of a loose ball, but the Everton 'keeper covered the angle superbly to make the block.
The game sparked into life with chances at both ends. A Jemma Purfield free-kick had Emily Ramsey called into action, before Everton broke and Bjorn very nearly got on the end of a Gabby George low cross.
The Blues responded well to a spell of Leicester pressure and came close themselves. Substitute Karen Holmgaard was involved immediately after her introduction, forcing Kirsty Levell into a really smart save.
Fellow substitute Hanna Bennison also made an impact, nearly picking out the top corner from range. The scorer of Everton’s third goal of Sunday came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock.
Following that, Brian Sorensen responded with more changes, bringing on Gio Queiroz Costa and Elise Stevenik. The latter looked lively and begin to inflict her quality on the affair with some tricky runs down the flank.
Just as it looked like the points would be shared, Hanna Bennison stepped up with a free kick.
Her free-kick from range caught Levell off guard as she deflected the ball into her own net, sparking scenes of jubilation at Walton Hall Park.
A well earned reward from the hosts who dominated the occasion across the 90 minutes.
Sorensen's side head into the international break with confidence which they will hope to take into their next league encounter when Chelsea travel to Merseyside on Sunday 16 October.
"I love this stadium." 💙
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) September 29, 2022
Brian Sorensen reflected on his first game at Walton Hall Park as Everton secured another three points.#EVELEI pic.twitter.com/NWcJwCY38C
