Everton Women claimed their first victory of the season at Goodison Park on Sunday, as a dramatic 89th-minute header from Martina Fernández secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aston Villa. The result provides a massive lift for Brian Sørensen’s side, while piling further pressure on interim manager Shaun Goater, who has seen his side win just once in their opening ten league fixtures.
The visitors seized an early lead in the 13th minute when Ebony Salmon capitalized on a defensive error from Ruby Mace to fire a clinical effort past Courtney Brosnan. However, the Toffees found their way back into the contest before the interval, with Fernández ghosting in at the back post to head home Mace's corner.
The second half was a story of frustration for Villa, as they dominated possession and carved out several openings but failed to beat the resolute Brosnan. With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Fernández repeated her first-half heroics, planting another unmarked header between the legs of Sabrina D'Angelo to spark jubilant scenes on the blue side of Merseyside.
Across the pyramid, several Bermudian coaching figures were in the dugout for a series of high-stakes encounters. Dashun Cooper, the goalkeeper coach for Queens Park Rangers Women, watched on at The Nest as his side slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Norwich City in a five-goal thriller. Despite a spirited comeback, the R's were unable to find a late equalizer to salvage a point.
In the FAWNL South East Division One, Chelsea Harvey’s Cambridge United suffered a frustrating 3-0 loss at home to high-flying Chatham Town at the St Neots Town FC ground. The result leaves the U’s looking to find consistency after a mid-season run of disrupted fixtures.
Sudbury Stalemate: Eva Frazzoni and AFC Sudbury shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw away at Luton Town Ladies. The point is a vital one for the Suds as they continue their fight to stay in the fourth tier.
Broadhurst Heartbreak: Keunna Dill, Trinae Edwards, and FC United of Manchester suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra. Despite a dominant first half, the hosts were unable to hold onto their advantage.
Newport Clinical: Jasmine Spence enjoyed a more successful afternoon, helping Newport Pagnell Town to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Thrapston FC at Chancery Lane.
Bantams Slip: Aaliyah Nolan and Bradford City experienced a difficult trip to Teesside, falling 4-1 to a rampant Thornaby FC at Teesdale Park.
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