Kirby stars again as Chelsea record important victory at Everton

Chelsea forward Fran Kirby scored one goal and created another as The Blues recorded a 3-0 victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park this evening.

The England International scored two goals and provided assists for the other four as Chelsea defeated Bristol City 6-0 in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup final on Sunday and Kirby followed up that performance with another deadly display on Merseyside this evening.

An early Everton hand ball resulted in Chelsea being awarded a penalty inside the first minute of the match at Walton Hall Park but Melanie Leupolz saw her spot kick saved by home keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

The Blues were soon to make up for that missed opportunity when Sam Kerr and Kirby again combined just like they did on so many occasions at the weekend. Kerr slotted a ball through to Kirby and the forward placed her shot beyond Korpela when left one-on-one with the Everton keeper.

Pernille Harder then had a goal ruled out for offside before Erin Cuthbert saw a shot rattle the crossbar as Chelsea had to be content with just a one-goal advantage at the break.

The hosts went close to levelling matters early in the second period but Ann-Katrin Berger was equal to Claire Emslie’s effort before a flowing Chelsea move ended with Kirby teeing up Harder to score.

The Danish international was soon inches away from doubling her goal tally for the evening when her looping header was scrambled off the line by Korpela but the ball landed at the feet of Leupolz who netted from close range to make up for her earlier penalty miss.

Chelsea’s 3-0 victory on Merseyside means that The Blues retain their place at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table. Emma Hayes’ side are now a maximum of five wins away from securing back-to-back league titles.