Despite a brilliant start, Everton fell to a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday in the Barclays FA Women's Super League.
It was a histroric afternoon for the hosts and for the women's game as over 20,000 fans were in attendance at Old Trafford, but it was the home support who were silenced when Everton took the lead after four minutes.
Claire Emslie raced onto Kenza Dali’s pinpoint through ball and powered low past Mary Earps.
Scottish winger Emslie impressed away to Manchester City on Wednesday night, and her darting runs were a feature of the first half.
Chris Roberts’ side looked dangerous on the break throughout the opening 45, Everton’s promise and poise in attack was showcased by Toni Duggan on 13 minutes – brilliantly flicking it past Maria Thorisdottir before being pulled down for a booking.
Sandy MacIver was called into action on 25 minutes and was sharp in rushing off her line to deny Martha Thomas from tapping home – crucially palming the ball clear of danger.
Everton continued to be discipline in defence, which was displayed perfectly by Izzy Christiansen and Gabby George, who teamed up to deny entry into the box by the fast-approaching Alessia Russo.
Just six minutes later however, Russo weren’t to be denied. The Manchester United forward guided Ona Batlle’s cross past a helpless MacIver to restore parity.
The Toffees’ continued to threaten on the counterattack and almost regained the lead after a scintillating move minutes before the break.
French midfielder Dali again displayed her long-range passing qualities, switching the ball out to Emslie who laid it into the path of Christiansen, but the midfielder was unlucky to see her curling effort go inches wide.
The hosts threatened at the beginning of the second half and were almost in front through Ella Toone, and then took the lead minutes later.
Everton substitute Lucy Graham was penalised for a lunge in the box and Katie Zelem converted from the penalty spot.
MacIver produced a magnificent reflex save to deny Russo her second on 61 minutes, before the rebound was tapped in – but the offside flag kept the score at 2-1.
Italian midfielder Aurora Galli almost equalised for Everton when she cut inside and curled just wide with 20 minutes to play.
It was then Emslie’s turn to come close for the Toffees – the winger continuing to tease the United defence before shooting past the post minutes after Galli’s effort.
After sustaining a period of pressure in search of an equaliser, Russo got her second of the match for the home side, heading past MacIver from Zelem’s corner to put the game beyond doubt in the 83rd minute.
Everton will face Birmingham City away next in the WSL as they travel to the St Andrew's Stadium on Friday evening.
