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 Oxford Utd 0 Everton 1 (Hollinshead 76) Substitute Emily Hollinshead scored the only goal of the game to give Everton an important victory in their quest for promotion from WSL 2. The game began brightly with Everton having the better of the early possession and Rosella Ayane unleashed a shot from 25 yards which was fingertipped wide by Demi Lambourne. Oxford's team had been decimated by injuries and unavailability, particularly in the centre of midfield where they fielded defenders Riva Casley and Laura Rafferty. Nevertheless, the U's worked hard whilst Everton were probing on the ball. A clever move saw Millie Turner's long diagonal ball forward cushioned across the face of the area by Michelle Hinnigan for Chloe Kelly who drove her shot wide. Kelly again fired over the bar after Krystle Johnston had headed on a cross by Vicky Jones. Oxford's main threat was coming from the pace and power of Ini Umotong and the striker got in behind the defence as she chased a long ball forward and was hauled down on the edge of the area. Ellie Noble stepped up to take the resulting free kick but her effort was narrowly over the bar. Everton continued to press but Oxford kept things tight and the visitors found it increasingly hard to break them down. Following good work by Ayane, Claudia Walker struck a shot which was well held by Lambourne who pulled off an even better save two minutes later, diving full length to keep out a firm effort from Krystle Johnston. Johnston was inches off target with a snap shot from the edge of the area but a competitive, and often spicy, first half ended with the scoreline still goalless. Everton made a substitution at half time with Gabby George coming on in the centre of defence and the England Under-19 international did an excellent job in the second half against the dangerous Umotong. Nevertheless it was Oxford who had the first chance of the half and Umotong was heavily involved, powering into the visitors' half before her pass freed Ella Franklin-Fraiture on goal, however her shot lacked power and Kirstie Levell was able to save low down. Opportunities were scarcer in the second half as both teams defended well, Everton still having the greater of possession and territory. Kelly played a good ball across the area for Johnston but she blazed her shot over the bar, and the frustration began to grow for Everton. With fourteen minutes remaining, Everton won a corner on the right. Hinnigan floated her kick to the far post and after Kelly's header had been blocked, Hollinshead reacted quickly to touch home the rebound and put her side in front. Everton almost grabbed a second from another corner with Millie Turner's header being blocked and then Jess Frampton cleared off the line to deny Ayane. Oxford had given their all but were unable to fashion another chance and Everton had ground out an important victory to keep themselves on the tails of the top two. Oxford Utd: Demi Lambourne, Laura Nichol, Jess Frampton, Riva Casley, Madison Lee, Rosie Lane, Ini Umotong, Laura Rafferty, Ellie Noble, Ella Franklin-Fraiture, Georgia Timms (sub Sophie Baker 82mins). Subs not used: Hannah Cox, Charlie Deeley, Steph Weston. Everton: Kirstie Levell, Vicky Jones, Danielle Turner, Kelly Jones, Georgia Brougham (sub Gabby George 45mins), Millie Turner, Krystle Johnston (sub Jenna Dear 67mins), Michelle Hinnigan, Claudia Walker (sub Emily Hollinshead 73mins), Chloe Kelly, Rosella Ayane. Subs not used: Alex Brooks, Megan Finnigan, Lauren Davies. Photos: (top) Vicky Jones takes on Ella Franklin-Fraiture (middle) Krystle Johnston is challenged by Jess Frampton (bottom) Gabby George under pressure from Ini Umotong | ||||||||||||||
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