Everton beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup
WSL rivals Villa and Everton knew they were in for a competitive game in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s Fa Cup. 90 minutes stood between them and a place in the fifth round, but it was the Toffees who came out on top.
The line-ups: Aston Villa vs Everton
Aston Villa
Leat; Mayling, Patten, Staniforth, Corsie (C), Nobbs, Daly, Dali, Hanson, Leon, Maritz.
Substitutes: Van Domselaar, Lehmann, McLoughlin, Salmon, Mullet, Blindkilde Brown, Magill, Sallaway.
Everton
Brosnan; Wheeler, Bennison, Bissell, Payne, Finnigan (C), Galli, S Holmgaard, Snoeijs, Stenevik, Olesen.
Substitutes: Hart, Veje, Campbell, Duggan, Hope Piemonte, Kühl, Madsen, Wilding.
New signing Noelle Maritz came straight into the Villa back line hoping to make a first good impression. Everton also named new additions Katherine Kühl and Rikke Madsen to their squad ahead of the game.
First Half
The first 45 was pretty quiet. Villa controlled the first 15 minutes of the game with Rachel Daly’s attempt saved by Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan early in the game. Both teams struggled to create any real chances in front of the goal but Everton grew into the game causing issues for the Villa defence. Heather Payne had a shot saved by Anna Leat but despite multiple opportunities being created, Sørensen’s side couldn’t find the back of the net. Going into half time, it was the blues who looked more threatening in the attack.
Second Half
The teams came back out for the second half hoping to increase the intensity after an average first half performance. Hannah Bennison came close hitting the post in the 49th minute which gave Everton a huge boost.
It was Karoline Olesen who put Everton in front in the 57th minute with a beautiful top corner finish. This was her first goal for the club and one she will remember. Without taking anything away from the precise strike, the goal came from a lack of pressure from the Villa defence, giving her too much space.
Ward’s side didn’t let the goal affect them and soon after, they almost equalised but Leon’s header was just wide. A lack of quality in the final third caused frustration amongst the Villa players as they tried to find a way back into the game.
Katherine Kühl had an impressive performance on her debut for Everton. Contributing in both defence and attack, it wasn’t long before she provided an assist for the blues second goal. Katja Snoeijs was the one to give her team a 2-0 lead.
A Dutch Double 🙌@Ksnoeijs
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) January 13, 2024
Going 2 goals down was a huge blow for Aston Villa as they approached the final 10 minutes. Failing to take advantage during counter attacking opportunities, a foul by Anna Patten in the box meant Everton had another chance to secure the win. Snoeijs stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Leat.
Everton secure their place in the next round
With time running out, Villa were eager to get one back but unfortunately it wasn’t their day. Everton booked their place in the draw for the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
It was a well-deserved win for Everton but for Villa, more questions arise as their defensive errors combined with a lack of clinical finishing in the final third result in another loss.
Both teams return to the WSL next weekend. Villa face Leicester City whilst Everton will come up against league contenders Arsenal.
The draw for the next round will take place on Monday 15th January around 19:30 on the Monday Night Club show or you can tune in to BBC iPlayer.
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