Everton manager Willie Kirk believes his new-look side are in a strong position ahead of the start of the new WSL season after an encouraging performance against Blackburn Rovers in their latest pre-season warm-up match on Wednesday night.
Everton won 5-0 at USM Finch Farm, with defender Meg Finnigan notching a double for the Toffees.
One of Everton summer arrivals – centre-back Rikke Sevecke – was also on the scoresheet, as were Academy products Elise Hughes and Grace Clinton.
New signings Ingrid Moe Wold, Poppy Pattinson, Nicoline Sorensen, Hayley Raso, Claire Emslie and Valerie Gauvin all saw action during the game.
The Blues take on Durham at Walton Hall Park on Sunday (4pm) in their final friendly before kicking off the WSL campaign at Bristol City on Sunday 6 September (2pm).
“These friendly matches are part of a process,” Kirk told evertonfc.com.
“We’ve played different types of opponents, we’ve put different teams out and put certain amounts of minutes into certain players.
“It was another 90 minutes for us to look at different players and for the players to get to know each other because, of course, a lot of new ones have come in.
“It was good for Hayley and Claire to finally get on the pitch tonight and they looked really lively in the first 45 minutes [before they were substituted]. There were lots of positives.
“By the time we get to Bristol we’ll be in a good place.”
Finnigan opened the scoring for Everton on five minutes, the defender heading in from a corner delivery.
Her centre-back partner Sevecke soon doubled the Toffees’ advantage with an instinctive finish from 12 yards out.
Blackburn gradually began to establish a foothold in the game and Everton goalkeeper Tinja Riikka-Korpela made two fine saves to keep the away side at bay.
The Blues continued to look dangerous in attack, however, with electric winger Raso’s pace and skill posing a constant threat
Everton’s third goal came on 27 minutes when striker Hughes tapped in from close range.
The Blues had their fourth seven minutes after the break when 17-year-old midfielder Clinton raced clear of the Blackburn defence before displaying impressive composure to finish into the bottom corner.
“I think Grace can be a top, top player,” Kirk said.
“She did very well tonight and took her goal nicely.
“She’s a player we’ve brought through our Academy. We’ve made a lot of signings but I still think it’s important we’re bringing through our own players.
“We have managed to give players opportunities since I’ve come in – the likes of Elise Hughes and Hannah Coan – and there are a number of others who are also still developing.”
Finnigan’s powerful downward header from a pinpoint Molly Pike corner delivery completed the scoring 15 minutes from time.
Manager Kirk paid tribute to the strong sense of togetherness already apparent within his squad, explaining how this welcoming environment has helped each of his new players quickly feel at home at Everton.
“It must be really easy for a new player to settle in, because they’re a great group.
“With the restrictions the way they are, we’ve struggled to do the things we normally would in terms of team building. But all the new girls have fitted in really well.
“One thing you can say about this group of players is that they’re great people. They are terrific to work with."
Everton team v Blackburn: Korpela, Moe Wold (Turner 45’), Finnigan, Sevecke (van Es 45’), Pattinson (Coan 66’), Clinton (Graham 60’), Clemaron, Pike, Raso (Magill 45’), Hughes (Gauvin 60’), Emslie (Sorensen 45’)
