Blues Edged Out By Manchester United In WSL

Jill Scott made her Everton return and Alisha Lehmann was handed a Club debut but they could not prevent the Blues from suffering a 2-0 WSL defeat against Manchester United at Walton Hall Park.

Goals before the break from Ella Toone and Christen Press proved enough for United to keep up the pressure on league leaders Chelsea, while Willie Kirk's side remain fifth in the table 

Scott - who rejoined Everton on loan from Manchester City earlier this month - recorded her 150th WSL appearance and went closest to reducing the deficit after the break when her 25-yard strike was well saved by United keeper Mary Earps.

Meanwhile, Swiss forward Lehmann - who signed on loan for the rest of the season from West Ham United on Wednesday - was introduced as a 56th-minute substitute for Hayley Raso.

Everton were bidding to close the gap on the four teams above them in their pursuit of European football next season, but fell behind with nine minutes on the clock as Toone tucked home from close range.

The hosts were then left with an uphill task when United extended their advantage three minutes before the break, Press being played in by Hayley Ladd to slot past Sandy MacIver.

The Blues improved in the second half without being able to carve out a way back into the contest, and they will bid for better fortunes when they host Birmingham City at Walton Hall Park next Sunday (2pm kick-off).