Yahoo Sports WSL: Everton claw back crucial point from Crystal Palace encounter
After conceding in the first minute of their match against Crystal Palace, Everton clawed back a point thanks to a late Honoka Hayashi equaliser. The Japanese international popped up with the Blues’ first WSL goal scored by their own player this season.
However, it wasn’t enough to lift the Toffees from the bottom of the table as they continue their search for their first win of the WSL season. Only Everton and Aston Villa are still yet to record a win so far. Meanwhile, newly promoted Palace sit two points above the relegation zone.
Starting XIs
Crystal Palace
Yanez; Veje, Cato, Everett (C), Weerden, Green, Potter, Riley, Gegl, Woodham, Stengel
Subs: Majasaari, Gibbons, Arthur, Sharpe, Hopcroft, Larkin, Aspin, Atkinson
Everton
Brosnan; Hayashi, Wheeler, Vanhavermaet, T.Payne, H.Payne, Finnigan (C), Sarri, S.Holmsgaard, Snoeijs, Olesen
Subs: Hobson, Bissell, Ramsey, Foster, Lawley, Settle, Thomas
How it went
The Eagles flew in with a strong and successful start as Indiah Paige-Riley struck the ball into the back of the net, putting her side 1-0 up in the first minute. The early goal from Palace resulted in Everton looking threatened and losing the ball on multiple occasions. After 20 minutes, Palace remained the stronger team, with Ashleigh Weerden making multiple magnificent runs and crosses.
Up until the half hour mark, Everton seemed disconnected with one another but eventually began to get into the rhythm of the game. Their strongest attempt came from a great run down the wing by Heather Payne but her strike landed safely into the hands of Shae Yanez.
Second half action
The second half started off strong but began to fall flat as the game went on. That was until the 72nd minute, when Everton found their much-needed equaliser through Hayashi. The Japanese international headed the ball past Yanez, netting Everton’s first WSL goal for this season.
After Hayashi’s goal, Everton came alive and looked the most confident they had all game. The home team pushed hard for another as the game temporarily became a tennis match between Crystal Palace’s attackers and Courtney Brosnan.
As the full-time whistle blew, both teams took home a point which temporarily pushed Everton out of 12th place. However, a 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Aston Villa put the latter back ahead on goal difference. Next week, Crystal Palace have another crucial game against Villa, who are two points behind Palace. For Everton, the Merseyside Derby awaits them as they take on mid-table Liverpool at Goodison Park.
