Everton are out of this season’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup despite recording a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Walton Hall Park this evening in their final group fixture.
With Manchester City having already won the group, Everton knew that only a huge victory over United this evening would keep their qualification hopes alive as the remaining best group runner-up but it wasn’t to be as they could only manage a one-goal success on Merseyside.
Everton’s average points-per-game total of two is the same tally as second-best group runner-up Crystal Palace, however, The Eagles’ average goal difference is significantly better meaning that the second tier club take the final quarter-final spot.
With Everton unlikely to secure qualification and their opponents Manchester United already out of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup, it was unsurprising to see a first half played out at Walton Hall Park which lacked attacking quality. Decent goalscoring opportunities were at a premium with United looking the more dangerous in a goalless opening 45 minutes.
Everton had the ball in the net midway through the second half but the goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up. The Blue Girls did finally break the deadlock 16 minutes from time when Lucy Graham struck the game’s only goal following some great work from half-time substitute Hayley Raso.
The visitors went close to levelling matters late in the game when Katie Zelem took aim from distance but Everton keeper Sandy MacIver tipped the ball to safety as Willie Kirk’s side collected the three group points.
Everton end their FA Women’s Continental League Cup campaign in second position in their group but are one of four runners-up who exit the competition at the group stage.
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