WOMEN'S TEAM

Park: I Hope To Make Evertonian Dad Proud

Jess Park is hoping to recreate her magical Merseyside derby performance when Everton host Liverpool at Goodison Park next month.

The Blues' leading goalscorer produced a Player of the Match performance during the 3-0 win at Anfield in September.

With the reverse fixture due to be held at the Grand Old Lady on Sunday 26 March (12.30pm BST), Park is hoping for another memorable derby in front of one of her biggest supporters.

“My dad is a lifelong Evertonian,” she revealed to evertontv. “I’m hoping to take him to a game soon.

“I think he’ll be so proud to see his daughter play there; he’ll be buzzing to be there to see it too.

“It’s going to be a special occasion and I can’t wait to play there.”

The on-loan forward has thrived in an Everton shirt this season, scoring five goals and registering three assists across all competitions.

The 21-year-old is improving with every minute she plays and credits Evertonians, her teammates and manager Brian Sorensen for accelerating that process.

“I’m really enjoying my time here,” Park added.

“I’ve got confidence, the fans are absolutely amazing. They give me more belief with every game I play.

“The team are behind me, and I want to do the best that I can for them.

“Brian believes in us, and we believe in him. I think you can really see that.

“We’re trying to do the right things and it’s getting better with each game.

“Even when we might be a little bit off it, we all stick together. We work as hard as we possibly can, and I can’t doubt any member of our squad.

“Whoever comes in, whoever plays, I think we give everything.

“We’re doing well [in the league] and I feel we could go even further.”

The Merseyside derby saw its highest-ever attendance last year with 27,574 supporters witnessing Everton’s 3-0 triumph at Anfield over their local rivals.

Now back on home soil, Park admitted it would be fantastic for that record to be broken once more when the two sides face off at Goodison Park.

“It will be a brilliant occasion with so many fans, it’s going to be amazing,” she said.

“The fans support is unbelievable [at Walton Hall Park] and we would love to take it with us to Goodison.

“They’ll give us the momentum to win the game. They’re going to be critical [to our success].

“We’d love to break the attendance record set by Liverpool and get as many supporters down to Goodison Park as possible.”

Park is currently away with the England national team alongside goalkeeper Emily Ramsey as they prepare for their defence of the Arnold Clark Cup. 

It’s since joining the Blues that Park has earned her first senior Lionesses cap and scored her first international goal. 

While reflecting ahead of the camp, the forward was keen to credit the Club for the role they have played in helping her break into Sarina Wiegman’s squad. 

“With playing consistently at Everton, developing with each game, it has definitely helped,” she added. 

“Playing for England is an honour and it’s brilliant to be recognised with a call-up.” 

Ready for round two of the Merseyside derby?

Get down to Goodison Park on Sunday 26 March (12.30pm BST, subject to change) for a historic afternoon of Women’s Super League action.

Tickets are on sale priced at £8 for adults, £4 for under-18s and £4 for over-65s.

Purchase Everton v Liverpool tickets here

Hospitality options for the fixture will be announced in due course. If you would like to register your interest in this, please complete the short form here.