Wednesday, 20th November, marked Round 2 of the League Cup, where Everton hosted Manchester United at Walton Hall Park.
The first round featured a clash between United and Liverpool, with United winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Malard and Williams. Everton drew 1-1 with Newcastle before succeeding on penalties.
Both sides presented strong team sheets, with United making six changes to the starting eleven and also welcoming the return of Leah Galton to the bench. Galton hadn’t been seen on the team sheet since 13th October, after picking up a knock against Tottenham Hotspur during United’s 3-0 win. United youngster Emma Watson made the starting 11, securing her debut. Everton’s starting 11 was different from their last match, with 17-year-old Isabella Hobson making the lineup.
Kick-off commenced with United proving to be the more dominant side, creating several goal attempts. Manchester United’s Anna Sandberg made her first start after recovering from an injury earlier in the season and immediately demonstrated her strength for the Reds. In the 14th minute, United won their first corner, with Hayley Ladd standing to take it. After the cross came in and a goalkeeper error, the scoreboard turned 1-0 in United's favor. Initially, it looked like Melvine Malard got the final touch, but after review, the ball had crossed the line following Brosnan’s slip-up, credited as an own goal.
With United showing great press and aggression, Maya Le Tissier attempted a long-range shot, but it went wide.
After a foul on Geyse, United were awarded a free-kick, with Sandberg taking it. Despite a brilliant cross, no goal materialized. Shortly after the 30th minute, Hayley Ladd, also making her first start of the season, unleashed a powerful strike, but it hit the crossbar.
As half-time approached, the score remained 1-0 to Manchester United. Everton hoped to equalize, but an attempt was blocked by Malard and cleared by Sandberg. The half-time whistle followed shortly after.
Half-time: 1-0 Manchester United
The second half began with United making a substitution, as Dominique Janssen replaced Millie Turner.
Not long into the half, a clear handball against Everton was seen, but nothing was given.
With United still dominating, Marc Skinner made additional changes. Thirteen minutes into the second half, 19-year-old Jess Simpson made her first-team debut, following a season where most of her minutes were spent playing with the U21s. This marked a remarkable moment for Simpson, who returned after tearing her ACL last season while on loan at Bristol City. Emma Watson, also returning from an ACL injury, continued to impress. Celin Bizet Ildhusøy replaced Jayde Rivière, while Everton made a single substitution in the 64th minute, with Lauren Thomas coming on for Toni Payne.
In the 68th minute, debutant Watson took a strike from distance but was denied by Brosnan.
Skinner responded with two more substitutions: Simi Awujo replacing Geyse, and Leah Galton coming on for Rachel Williams. Everton also brought on Emily Cole to replace Sara Holmgaard.
United continued to create opportunities, with cross-ins from Simpson and Bizet, but none found the back of the net.
Another corner fell to United, with Simpson delivering a brilliant ball. Janssen waited to connect, but Melissa Lawley of Everton cleared it first. Le Tissier recovered the rebound, controlled it on her chest, and struck.
In the 77th minute, United’s captain secured her second goal of the season, making it 2-0 to United.
As full-time approached, Everton made three final substitutions, with Melissa Lawley, Honoka Hayashi, and Karoline Olesen making way for Ellie Jones, Macy Settle, and Ruby Deaville.
During five minutes of added time, Melvine Malard attempted to make it 3-0, but her shot was blocked. The full-time whistle signalled United’s 2-0 victory, earning them three points and the top spot in the table. Everton sit in second place, though that position is likely to change on Sunday when Newcastle face Liverpool at home.
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