Last-Gasp Sorensen Strike Secures Everton's Cup Progress

Nicoline Sorensen hit a stoppage-time winner as Everton Women came from behind to beat Durham 2-1 in a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday.  

Molly Sharpe had put Championship high-fliers Durham ahead at Walton Hall Park early in the second half before Poppy Pattinson equalised for the Toffees.

Substitute Sorensen then fired in at the back post in added time after a brilliant run and cross from Hayley Raso.

Everton face an away tie at WSL leaders Chelsea – who the Blues beat in the last eight on the way to last year’s final – in the next round.


Everton controlled the opening stages of the match and enjoyed the majority of the possession.

Willie Kirk’s side had the game’s first chance on eight minutes. Claire Emslie was played in down the left by Izzy Christiansen. After cutting inside on her right foot, the Scot curled a shot inches past the far post.

The Toffees almost opened the scoring on 18 minutes. A fantastic ball over the top of the Durham defence by Grace Clinton saw Alisha Lehmann chip the ball onto the top of the Durham net.

Everton continued to pressurise the Durham defence, with Jill Scott firing over on the half-volley from close range.

Five minutes later, Durham almost scored against the run of play. A neat and tidy exchange down the left-hand side saw the ball whipped across the face of goal but Pattinson was there to make a fantastic block.

Just before half-time, Everton defender Meg Finnigan rose highest from a corner to head wide of the mark.

Everton were fell behind right at the start of the second half, though, when Sharpe unleashed a thunderous strike into the top left corner from the edge of the area to give the away side a shock lead.

The Blues responded well and levelled within five minutes. A cross from the right by Sorensen saw Durham keeper Megan Borthwick fumble the ball into the path of full-back Pattinson to prod home into an empty net.


Everton continued to press and hit the post on the hour mark. A corner whipped in by Emslie was headed back across goal by Finnigan to Scott, whose effort struck the outside of the post.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had a great chance to score with 18 minutes to go but her low shot was saved by Borthwick.

But Everton got the winner in added time through Sorensen – Raso curled an inviting ball across the box from the right and the Dane timed her run to perfection to slot home.

The win was Everton’s third on the bounce following victories over Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion in their past two league matches.

Everton now turn their attention back to the WSL with a trip to West Ham United next Sunday.