Everton Women 0-1 Manchester United: WSL Report and Reaction

Today at 05:00 AM

Wheeler takes positive but knows Blues need to do better.

Clare Wheeler praised her side's determination to keep going after an early goal from Grace Clinton saw Everton Women fall to defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

The loss was also compounded by the fact that Inma Gabarro became the second Toffee to leave the field of play in as many games with what looks to be a serious injury.

Everton refused to let a difficult start define their 90 minutes and had chances of their own to earn something from the game, but Marc Skinner's side held on to claim all three points.

And Wheeler was quick to credit her opponents, as well as the resilience of her teammates, although she acknowledged they need to do better if they to start getting results.

"It wasn't the start we wanted, but credit to everyone on that field," she said.

"We kept going, it wasn't just the goal, but to lose Inma so early, we kept our heads high and we knew we'd get chances to get something out the game.

"Credit to United, they put their chance away and that is just football sometimes.

"It was a tough duel, a lot physically, but we have to keep our heads up as we have two games coming up this week and we need to get results.

"We take positives but we know we need to get better."

Everton found themselves a goal down after virtually the first attack. Clinton found space in the box and finished confidently in the bottom corner to give United an early lead.

Katja Snoeijs almost made an immediate response to the deficit, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce was equal to her effort.

The home side were growing in confidence and Gabarro was next to test the visitors. The Spaniard collected from Wheeler but saw her effort blocked by a frantic United rearguard.

Wheeler was then denied twice in quick succession. First, her effort was stopped by Tullis-Joyce before the Australian miscued a long-range shot high and wide, a minute later.

Gabarro's influence was cut short after her injury saw her replaced by Veatriki Sarri, although Brian Sorensen's side remained on the front foot despite the setback.

The Blues were more than matching the physical style of their guests, with Wheeler the driving force. And the midfielder went close again but her left-footed drive was wide of the mark much to the relief of Tullis-Joyce.

United then should have made it two seconds later when Elisabeth Terland was picked out by Geyse following a fast break, but the striker failed to hit the target.

The two sides refused to relent in what was becoming of war of attrition at Walton Hall Park. Niggly fouls saw tempers boil as both Snoeijs and Jayde Riviere were both shown yellows as the first half headed into eight minutes of time added on.

The second 45 picked up where the last half left off, with both sides penalised for fouls by referee Kirsty Dowle.

And it was from a set piece that the half's first chance would fall to Everton. Elise Stenevik rose highest in a crowded area only to see her header sail wide from a pin-point delivery.

Clinton responded but was denied a second when her shot was well blocked by a resolute Everton backline, before Lucy Hope should have done better with a header she sent straight down the throat of Tullis-Joyce following positive wing play by Sara Holmgaard.

The Dane threatened to lose her composure minutes later and became the latest name in Dowle's book following a late challenge.

Courtney Brosnan had to be alert just after the hour mark to deny Terland after a good ball from Ella Toone.

Sorensen elected to ring the changes and introduced Toni Payne, Heather Payne and Emma Bissell, something that prompted his managerial counterpart to do the same, as a trio of fresh United faces entered the field.

And it was substitute Melvine Malard who had the busiest few minutes of any player on the field, first heading wide following more good play from Toone before her robust enthusiasm found her picking up a yellow card.

As the game drew to a close, chances became less frequent as both sides conceded free kicks for niggly fouls. Hinata Miyazawa saw her right footed shot blocked before Sarri forced Tullis-Joyce into a save after controlling Stenevik's cross.

And the American stopper's smart save proved to be enough to secure all three points for her team, who left the field knowing they'd been in a physical battle.

Everton Women's focus now shifts to Women's League Cup action on Wednesday night when Sorensen takes his side to the North East to face Women's Championship side, Newcastle United.

Kick off at Kingston Park is at 7pm (BST) on Wednesday, 2 October.