Notts County did the damage in the first half to pick up their first win of the season with an impressive 2-0 victory over Everton.
County took the early advantage in a high-tempo start to the game, with Katie Holtham scoring with a fifth-minute header that Everton keeper Rachel Brown-Finnis could only push onto the post and over the line.
The visitors showed tremendous defensive organisation to preserve their lead, with midfielder Sophie Walton and England centre back Sophie Bradley particularly excellent.
Notts County 2-0 Everton
FA WSL
Meadow Lane
Sunday 20 April
By Charlie Talbot-Smith
Everton’s frustration was compounded just before the interval as Jess Clarke scored a scrappy second for County from Walton’s corner.
The Toffees showed plenty of attacking intent after the break as they sought a way back into the game, but were limited early in the second half to Billie Murphy’s long range effort, which went straight into Carly Telford’s arms.
Kelly Jones went one better 15 minutes from time, meeting Alex Greenwood’s cross with a back header that left Telford in no man’s land, but Laura Jayne O’Neil got back superbly to clear the ball off the line.
County kept pressing forward as they sought to put the game beyond doubt, and Clarke went close to her second with a half-volley from the edge of the box.
Everton (4-1-4-1)
Brown-Finnis; Murphy, Whelan (George 22), Johnson, Greenwood; Chaplen; Handley (Magill 66), Hinnigan, Jones, D Turner (M Turner 83); Parris
Subs not used
Jones, Whipp, Walsh
Bookings: None
Red cards: None
Notts County (4-2-3-1)
Telford; Turner, Bradley, Corsie, O’Neil; Scott, Walton; Susi (Haywood 90+4), Holtham, Friend (Sweetman Kirk 67); Clarke
Subs not used
Draycott, Roberts, Unitt
Bookings: None
Red cards: None
Att: 256
Referee: P. Graham
