After two consecutive league wins, on top of two emphatic cup results, Carla Ward and Aston Villa could finally start looking up the WSL table.
Sunday’s clash with Everton provided another opportunity to strengthen our position, with the visitors entering the weekend just a point behind Villa.
The returns of Kenza Dali and Kirsty Hanson from injury and suspension have been huge boosts for the team in recent games, and both players kept their place for this fixture. Ebony Salmon was unlucky not to start after her recent run of goals in cup and league, but Adriana Leon kept her spot alongside Hanson and Daly.
Both teams had early chances to open the score, but neither were able to find composure or truly test the goalkeepers. Everton looked dangerous with an attack down the right wing in the opening minutes, with Bennison and Payne linking up, but Heather Payne’s cut back into the box missed the waiting attackers and Villa could clear.
Everton followed up quickly with another attempt, again created by Payne, this time sending through Katja Snoeijs but her shot was caught easily by van Domselaar.
Villa tried to find a foothold in the game, and found an opportunity through a set piece. Sent in by Dali, Everton were only able to clear as far as Rachel Corsie. Jordan Nobbs delivered another ball into the crowd, but Anna Patten’s header was caught by Brosnan.
Dali forced another save in the 26th minute, attempting to finish off a driving run from Daly, starting in midfield. It may have been better to return the pass to the striker, instead of taking on the difficult angle.
Rachel Daly found herself trying to play both creator and finisher, another instance coming in the 34th minute. Daly successfully challenged for a second ball and managed to pick herself up for the cut-back from Leon, but her shot was a comfortable height for Brosnan to save.
Van Domselaar also made a strong save towards the end of the half to keep the teams level, pushing Snoeijs’ shot over the bar.
Can I ask a quick favour? We love producing content for you on our website, and we want to share it with as many Villa fans as possible.
Consider mentioning our website next time you’re talking Villa with your friends, or better still, It’s free to subscribe to our profit-free site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released articles. Thanks.
Villa had to improve in the second half to take anything from the game, but it was Everton who struck first. It was an unfortunate moment for Anna Patten, who was positioned close to the goal line and turned Holmsgaard’s ball into the Villa net, in a second of confusion between her and van Domselaar.
Just a minute later, the Aston Villa of last season hit back. The move started from the back, through to Dali in the middle of the park, then out wide to Hanson. Hanson’s ball into the box was weighted perfectly for Daly to run into it and redirect it towards goal, levelling the score.
It had become clear by the latter stages of the game that both sides had issues in front of goal, Villa looking hesitant to shoot at some points and overplaying the build-up. The defining moment came from a penalty, awarded to Everton following a clumsy challenge by Hanson at the edge of the area. Nathalie Bjorn converted and put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute, which they held onto despite some late desperate efforts from Ward’s team.
It was a missed opportunity for Villa, who now sit in 10th place instead of a possible 7th. The season is interrupted once more by international games, then Villa return to face Manchester City away on 9th December.
Enjoying the content?
Can you help support us? Our non-profit and ad-free website, UTVPODCAST | The Website, is now accepting small donations to help support its continuous evolution and operating costs. We love creating this content for you and want it to be as successful as possible.
If you are able to help, please click the “Buy Me A Coffee” button below.
CARLA WARD
AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER
Thank you for reading: any likes, retweets, or shares on the social media post where you found this article would be highly appreciated.
On Twitter? Drop the author a follow…
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Georgia Homer
Thumbnail Media Credit: avfc.co.uk
ASTON VILLA WOMEN SHIRT
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Kitbag. Throughout the season, we will bring you exclusive offers and discount codes.
Click here to shop now.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH VILLA BELLAS
Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Women’s Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.
Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and champion each other while having fun doing it!
Twitter: @villabellas Instagram: @villa.bellas
