Everton were left disappointed on Sunday as Aston Villa left Walton Hall Park with all three points in a 2-0 result for the visitors.

Carla Ward's side struck twice in the space of seven minutes giving the Blues an uphill battle to get back into the match.

It was a wet and windy afternoon, with both sides battling tough conditions across the 90 minutes.

Nevertheless, Everton started the game well as Kenza Dali produced two superb strikes in the opening 10 minutes which were matched with fine saves by Hannah Hampton in the Villa goal.

Despite the Blues bright start, Villa netted their opener after 17 minutes.

The ball was played in from the corner flag as former Everton midfielder Jill Scott rose to meet it with a bicycle kick for Emily Gielnik to tap in at the far post.

Villa came close to a second four minutes later as Alisha Lehmann broke towards the Everton goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The Swiss striker looked to curl the ball into the net but was denied by MacIver who produced an excellent save.

Aston Villa netted their second after 24 minutes.

Lehmann broke along the right flank and played a low ball into the area for Ramona Petzelberger to strike first time to double the visitors lead.

Everton grew into the game in the second half, but were unable to break down Villa's formidable defence to pull a goal back.

A frustrating match for the Blues who will regroup following the international break and prepare for an away FA Cup tie to Charlton.