The match at Goodison Park this weekend saw Everton defeat WSL newcomers Charlton Athletic, who ended extra time with only nine players, allowing the Blues to capitalise.
A Slow First Half
The first half of the match saw no goals from either side, although a few opportunities were presented to the home side, which they failed to convert into goals.
The first was very early on, when free transfer McNamara made an attempt on goal, missing the target quite significantly after she was denied by Charlton’s defence.
The next came from Silcock, who won a header after a well-delivered free kick. However, she missed the net at close range, in what could have been a goal with more control.
A Chance For Charlton Athletic
A strong opportunity presented itself for Alisha Ndow of Charlton Athletic, who managed to receive the ball from a free kick, heading the ball towards the goal.
However, Everton’s defenders swarmed the shot, and she was unable to convert the opportunity into a goal, missing marginally beyond the post.
The denial of a goal for the away side leaves the match goalless at half-time, making for a less than exciting first half at Goodison Park.
The First Red Card
In the 58th minute of the match, Ashley Neville was shown a red card for a foul on Everton’s Ruby Mace, bringing the away side down to ten players
A poorly timed tackle saw the midfielder kicked firmly in the torso. She went down quickly and stayed down, causing play to eventually be stopped, and for Neville to be shown the red card.
The foul resulted in a free kick for Everton; however, nothing significant was made from the set piece.
A Late Goal for Everton
In the 77th minute, the home side finally scored a goal against an opposition of 10, which was chalked up as an own goal from Charlton defender Leighanne Robe.
The opportunity began with Everton’s McNamara making a confident run down the right side of the pitch and making a cross into the box.
The ball deflected off of Robe and leaving Whitehouse unable to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net, making the scoreline 1-0 in the late stages of the game.
A Red Card In Extra Time
As five minutes of extra time was added to the 90, McNamara was once again on the move, making a run towards the Charlton Athletic goal.
In close pursuit was defender Cissoko, who attempted to stop the attack. In her efforts, she caught McNamara’s foot, sending her suddenly down, and earning her a yellow card.
Only minutes later, McNamara was in possession of the ball again, when Cissoko carelessly pushed her from behind, knocking her over once again.
The knock earned her another yellow card, leading her to then be shown a red card. Charlton were down to nine men, yet Everton did not have time to make the most of this, resulting in a 1-0 finish.
A Disappointing Performance
Overall, it is clear that Charlton Athletic are struggling in the top flight after their promotion as a result of their win against Leicester City at the end of last season.
In their match against Everton, they failed to create many chances, leaving them no points in this season so far.
Despite their win, the Toffees also had an underwhelming game, with multiple missed opportunities and a lucky deflection leading to their only goal against a promoted team of ten players.
