Everton player evaluations for the Women’s Super League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, which ended in a 2-1 loss with Beth Lindop in charge at Walton Hall Park.
Everton lost their opening Women’s Super League (WSL) match of the year 2-1 at Walton Hall Park to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Elisabeth Terland was there to score the rebound after Katie Robinson’s shot hit the crossbar in the fourth minute, giving the hosts a terrible start. Ten minutes later, Terland doubled Brighton’s lead by calmly tapping past Emily Ramsey following an inch-perfect through pass from Robinson.
In the minutes that followed, a superb ball into the box from Nathalie Bjorn was headed wide by Nicoline Sorensen for Everton, but she came close to restoring parity. After the break, the Blues significantly improved, as summer acquisition Martina Piemonte forced a deft stop from Sophie Baggaley after rising to meet a corner kick from Hannah Bennison.
Megan Finnigan, the new club captain, cut the lead in half with a cool finish on the 65-minute mark, but the Blues were unable to find a late equalizer and now find themselves at the bottom of the standings ahead of their trip to Leicester City the following weekend.
Nathalie Bjorn – 6
Turned too easily for Brighton’s second goal but played a crucial role in driving Everton forward. Almost set Sorensen up with a delightful ball into the box in the first half.
Hanna Bennison – 6
Bullied off the ball a little too easily in the first half but, like many of her teammates, improved after the break. Excellent corner delivery led to Finnigan’s goal.
Emily Ramsey – 6
Wasn’t much she could do for Brighton’s opener. Rushed off her line in an attempt to save the second. Little to do after the break although made a good save to keep Everton in it with five minutes to go.
Nicoline Sorensen – 7
Did well to hold the ball up on a couple of occasions early on to help relieve some Brighton pressure. Hit the bar with a well-taken effort but perhaps should have done better with a header in the first half. Almost turned provider for Piemonte after the interval. Subbed.
Lucy Hope – 6
Combined well with Nathalie Bjorn down the right to set up one few good chances for Everton in the first half. Relentless running in the second half central to Everton resurgence.
Martina Piemonte – 7
Cut an isolated figure up front and barely had a touch in the opening half hour. Did well to win Everton a free-kick in a dangerous area before the break. Looked really dangerous after the break and drew a couple of decent saves from Sophie Baggaley.
Megan Finnigan – 7
Allowed Katie Robinson to roll the ball through her legs in the build up to Brighton’s second goal but recovered well. A really composed finish to bring Everton back into it after the break.
Aurora Galli – 6
Dispossessed far too easily on a couple of occasions. Failed to close Robinson down in the build up to Brighton’s second. Improved in the second half.
Elise Stenevik – 6
Looked a little bit out of her depth at times early on but grew into the game and made some important interceptions in the second half.
Karoline Olesen – 6
Had been dubbed “one of the best Scandinavian players I’ve seen in the last 10 years” by her manager ahead of Sunday’s game but struggled to impose herself against a physical Brighton midfield. More involved in the second half before being subbed.
Substitutes:
Justine Vanhaevermaet – 6
Showed her experience after her second half introduction. An all-action display.
Emma Bissell – 6
Chased down absolutely everything on her competitive Everton debut.
Heather Payne – 6
Did well to fashion a decent chance by cutting inside but fired wide of the post.
Clare Wheeler – N/A
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