Everton manager Andy Spence insists an FA Women’s Cup Final is a fitting reward for his young side after they saw off Notts County at the Impact Arena.
The Toffees were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to Nikita Parris’s double and although Katie Hoyle pulled one back for County, it was Everton who held on to seal their place in The Final against Arsenal at stadium:mk on Sunday 1 June.
Everton, two-time winners of The FA Women’s Cup, last lifted the trophy in 2010 when they defeated Arsenal 3-2 after extra-time.
And with quite a few of his current side making their way through the Everton ranks back then, Spence admits it will be great for them to get their own shot at glory.
He said: "We have got a young team and this is a great credit for the players.
"Many of our players were in the Centre of Excellence when we last got to The Final so it will be a great occasion for them to be playing in a Final.
"People outside the club have written us off, but inside the club we keep working hard. We spoke about dominating the ball a bit more and in the first half we gave a masterclass in possession.
"We defended very well in the second half and always looked dangerous on the break. We managed the game very well after we had taken the lead.
"The players worked very hard to make sure they did their job as individuals and as a team and we are delighted to be in The Final."
Parris headed Everton ahead on 14 minutes from a corner and had her second just before the half-hour when she capitalised on a mistake from County keeper Carly Telford.
Hoyle grabbed one back for County on 56 minutes but the equaliser never arrived with Jess Clarke hitting the post late on, leaving boss Rick Passmoor to rue his side’s poor start.
He added: "I am disappointed with our performance. We did not turn up in the first 45 minutes and you cannot do that against a team like Everton.
"There were too many heavy legs and too many players that were anxious and not at their best.
"I asked for a response at half-time and that is what I got. We were better in the second half, but the players need to realise that you have to play for 90 minutes and not 45 minutes.
"We have to dust ourselves down, to learn from this experience and to be better. We were 90 minutes away from representing this club in an FA Cup Final and not making that happen is very disappointing."
The FA Women's Cup Final kicks off at 4.30pm will be broadcast live on BBC Two.
The FA Girls' Youth Cup Final, between Everton and Liverpool, will also take place in Milton Keynes on 1 June and will kick-off at 1pm.
Tickets for the double-header are priced from £10 for adults and £5 for children and concessions.
Family tickets, for two adults and two children, are available at £20.
For tickets and match information, please visit www.mkdons.com/tickets or telephone 01908 622 900
