Toffees' Academy rewards

Jody Handley scored twice as Everton Ladies knocked Bristol Academy off the top of the Women's Premier League.

The England international netted two after the break to add to Natasha Dowie's opener that helped seal a 3-1 win for the Toffees.

With Arsenal beating Blackburn Rovers, Bristol's defeat saw them replaced at the top of the pile by the seemingly unstoppable Gunners.

However, Handley has urged her teammates to put pressure on the champions.

"We just have to go and catch the teams up and get as close to Arsenal as possible," said the 28 year old who has been capped 30 times.

"You never know what is going to happen - they could drop points. Hopefully we will be up there by the end of the season."

On a wet and windy afternoon in the West Country, the visitors took the lead with a slick piece of play, Michelle Evans laying the ball off perfectly for Dowie to sweep home.

Jo Potter then fired a free-kick over the bar as Everton continued to press forward.

The Toffees had a penalty shout turned down early in the second half when Dowie was seemingly clipped by the Bristol keeper.

But Everton put that behind them and went 2-0 up when Handley switched the ball onto her left foot and drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Bristol responded with a scrappy goal, Kerry Manley getting the last touch after a penalty box melee, but Handley ensured it would be Everton's day.

Charging clear, she unleashed a shot which the Bristol keeper could only fumble into the net.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game," said Handley, whose Everton team are sixth in the table.

"Mo Marley (Everton manager) said they are a team full of steady players who work hard for each other."