Victory for Man United in a hard-fought battle against Everton.

Manchester United celebrating a goal. Photo: Charlie Burrell for Constancy Sport

At 12:00 today a fierce battle was played between Manchester United and Everton, leading to a 2-0 win for the home team.

First Half

On a sunny day at Leigh Sports Village, Manchester United versus Everton proved to be a physical game from the start.

Stoppage time built up from medics being called to Man United’s Jade Riviere and Everton’s Heather Payne, both due to tackles from the opposition.

However, it was Everton’s number 19 that eventually got carded for flooring a United player, leading to a corner for the reds. It was fan favourite Ella Toone who took this, crossing it in with a high kick on goal.

Everton’s keeper Courtney Brosnan got a hand on the ball but fumbled the save, causing Man United’s Janssen to be able to tap it into the goal from five yards out. 

The Red Army seemed to be playing a structured game, leaving number 19, Elisabeth Terland, high on the press to intercept. Everton, however, attempted to break through this defence with runs from Payne, Snoejis and Gago.

Despite some brilliant skills, especially from Payne, United’s defence pressured well, and Everton were unable to get a shot in the goal.

The Red’s struck back with a shot on goal from Toone and crossbar from Tissier but were also unable to convert another goal.

The first half ended with the home side in a 1-0 lead.

Second Half

Man United returned to the pitch with renewed vigour, putting away a goal just one minute after half time. This was scored by number 8, Grace Clinton, whose cross in from the left evaded Everton’s goalkeeper to sink into the net.

Everton quickly regained their composure and got a run on goal from number 29, Kelly Gago. Pressure was quickly put on by Man U’s defence and she was unable to score.

Both teams made a series of five substitutions throughout the second half. Everton brought on Karen Holmgaard, Elise Stenevik, Melissa Lawley, Karoline Olesen and Veatriki Sarri. Man United brought on Simi Awujo, Lisa Naalsund, Aoife Mannion, Rachel Williams and Melvine Malard.

The game continued in a passionate manner, with Man United’s number 2, Anna Sandberg, getting carded for grabbing an Everton shirt. Minor injuries for both sides lead to an extra four minutes of stoppage time, and medics being called onto the pitch.

Some brilliant work on the wings from Jade Riviere meant that The Reds had a long attack around Everton’s goal. Cheered on by the home crowd, many shots were taken but saved by Brosnan’s impressive reach.

The second half ended with the final score being 2-0 to Manchester United.

Attendance: 3,856

Manchester United: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere (Mannion 88), Le Tissier (c), Janssen, Sandberg; Clinton (Naalsund 74), Miyazawa; Bizet (Malard 55), Toone, Galton (Awujo 73); Terland (Williams 88).

Unused subs: Middleton-Patel, Rendell.

Yellow Cards: Le Tissier, Sandberg.

Scorers: Janssen 22, Clinton 47.

Everton: Brosnan; H. Payne (Stenevik 54), Mjelde, Fernandez, S. Holmgaard; Snoeijs (Sarri 78), Ladd (K. Holmgaard 54), Wheeler (Olesen 65), Vanhaevermaet; T. Payne (Lawley 65), Gago.

Unused subs: Ramsey, Hope, Hayashi, Madsen.

Yellow cards: H.Payne.