Turner On 'Massive' Reading Clash And Goodison Derby Showdown

Club captain Dan Turner says Everton must be ready to compete in a “physical battle” when the Blues host Reading at Southport FC on Sunday (2pm).

The Blues head into the game seventh in the WSL but will leapfrog their opponents with a victory. In a congested WSL table, the fourth-placed Royals are just two points ahead of Willie Kirk’s side.

>>>GOODISON PARK WILL HOST ITS FIRST-EVER WSL MERSEYSIDE DERBY ON 9 FEBRUARY. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS<<<

Everton were edged out 3-2 when the teams met in October – with all of Reading’s goals coming from set plays – and Turner says the players are eager to put that result right.

“It’s going to be tough, a physical battle,” she told evertonfc.com.

“We have to be defensively organised in set pieces. And we’ve got to prepare to put our heart into those to defend them.

“You can do all the tactics in the world but if you’re not willing to put your head on the ball or your body in front of the ball then you will concede goals.

“They’re probably one of the most physical teams in the league and we’ve got to match that if we’re going to get a result.

“It's a massive game if we want to climb back up that table.

“With Reading being one of those teams around us and fighting for a similar position as we are, it’s a really important we get a good result.”

<%= PULSE.I18N.lookupKey( 'label.modalClose', '' ) %>

This video is for Season Ticket Holders, Official Members and Hospitality Members

You need to log in to watch.

If you already have an Official Membership or 22/23 Season Ticket, just login to watch the video.

If you are interested in an Official membership, you can find out how to buy one here.

Also check out our streaming FAQs.

<%= PULSE.I18N.lookupKey( 'label.modalClose', '' ) %>

This content or section of the site is available for free to Digital Members

Please login to your account or register for free to access.

To view this content you need to be a Season Ticket Holder, Hospitality Member or Official Member.

Login to watch or click below to buy an Official Membership

As well as access to live pre-season matches, Official Members receive a range of other benefits, including exclusive content and welcome pack.

MORE INFO - BUY A MEMBERSHIP - STREAMING FAQs

02:51

HINDS TALKS BEYONCÉ, BANTER AND MIDDLE LANE DRIVERS

Find out more about the Everton defender.



It was announced last week that Everton's WSL Merseyside derby clash on Sunday 9 February will be hosted at Goodison Park.

Turner, who was part of the Blues team that beat Liverpool 1-0 in front of more than 23,500 fans at Anfield in November, revealed her excitement about playing in front of a vocal following of Evertonians at Goodison.

"The game at Anfield was an incredible experience, but it will be even better to perform at our home ground," she said.

"The whole squad are excited about it and we're all hungry to make it two wins from two against Liverpool.

"It would mean so much for us to get a big crowd at the game. We need as many Blues as possible to come out to support us and spur us on towards another victory." 

>>>CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE MERSEYSIDE DERBY AT GOODISON ON 9 FEBRUARY*<<<

*Everton’s ongoing commitment to allowing Season Ticket, Lounge and Official Members free access to women’s games will continue for the fixture, although all Members will be required to claim a ticket and select their seat in advance.

Tickets for non-Members will be priced at £6 for adults and £3 for over-65s and juniors.

To secure a ticket for the women’s Merseyside derby, click here or call the Everton Fan Centre on 0151 556 1878.

Supporters can also buy tickets in person by visiting the Goodison Road box office or by calling into the Club's city centre ticket facility in Everton Two.