WOMEN'S TEAM

Dominant Blues Draw With Villa

Lucy Graham’s late strike secured Everton a much-deserved draw as the Toffees drew 1-1 against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The visitors dominated the occasion after an early setback and persevered to equalise in the 86th minute thanks to the Scot’s strike on the rebound.

There were several familiar faces in the Villans side, and it was former Blues captain Danielle Turner who gave the hosts the lead after 11 minutes.

The fullback broke into the box along the left side as the ball came in and slotted it into the far corner past Emily Ramsey.

Everton looked for an immediate response as Gabby George broke down the left channel and found Katja Snoeijs. The Dutch forward struck first time and forced Anna Leat to push her effort onto the post.

A clever piece of play soon followed as Snoeijs allowed the ball to slip through her and into the path of Izzy Christiansen who shot, but a low save from Leat denied the midfielder.

With half an hour gone, Everton thought they had their equaliser as Snoeijs produced a brilliant run through the left and dragged the ball back to find Hanna Bennison. The Swede shot on the edge of the area and a mild deflection took her effort narrowly wide of the left post.

Fine margins proved the difference once again five minutes before the break as Graham latched onto a loose ball to only have her effort cleared off the line by the Villa defence.

Into the second half and the side from Birmingham found themselves down to 10-women after Mayumi Pacheco was shown a straight red for dissent.

A boost for Brian Sorensen’s side who looked to capitalise with 20 minutes left to play.

Graham done well to win a free kick along the right side in the 85th minute and played an excellent ball into the back post to find substitute Kenzie Weir.

The fellow Scot rose highest, but her header clashed off the far post.

A minute later, Everton were level.

Abby Clarke burst into the box along the left side and squared the ball to Jess Park, her effort rattling off the bar but Graham made no mistake as she fired home the Blues’ equaliser.

Despite a late push from the visitors, it finished level at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

Positives to take for Everton who begin their competitive campaign in three weeks time when they host Leicester City at Walton Hall Park.

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WATCH VIDEO 03:14 Wed 24 Aug 2022

HIGHLIGHTS: ASTON VILLA WOMEN 1-1 EVERTON WOMEN

Match highlights from the pre-season friendly against Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.