Yeovil Town 0-0 Everton
Sunday’s WSL 2 tie between third and fourth ended goalless as visiting goalkeeper Kirstie Levell put in a Woman of the Match performance to ensure her Everton side went home with a vital point and all but ended Yeovil’s promotion aspirations.
It was the Merseyside outfit who got the game underway as they made a lively start, Channy Boye-Hlorkah shooting just over the crossbar in the early exchanges. Sarah Wiltshire then had a fine opportunity for the hosts but was denied from point blank range by the first of many excellent saves from Levell.
Toffee’s captain Michelle Hinnigan was next to come close to an opener, first shooting just wide of the post with a long range effort before seeing Yeovil’s number one Charlotte Haynes get a strong hand to another 20 yard strike inside 25 minutes.
Within moments of the restart Yeovil should have been one goal to the good, Natasha Knapman finding herself one-on-one with the England Under 19’s goalkeeper who produced another top save to keep her side in the game.
Everton’s Paige Williams and Ellie Stewart then picked up yellow cards in quick succession as a lengthy stoppage occurred following a foul on Yeovil’s Annie Heatherson who had to be stretchered off the field of play.
Star of the show Levell was then involved again in the 60th minute as she raced off her line to smother the ball at the feet of Wiltshire before saving from the forward once more moments later, and also Nicola Cousins, as the crowd wondered how they were yet to witness a goal.
As the clock ticked down a free kick was given in a dangerous position as Simone Magill was clipped by Ellie Curson, but Everton were unable to take advantage, before Levell made the save of the match in the final minutes tipping Wiltshire’s effort round the post to ensure the spoils were shared at Huish Park.
Yeovil manager Jamie Sherwood spoke after the game of his mixed emotions, having seen his side fail to get the three points they needed to keep pace with league leaders Doncaster Bells and Reading but hold off a strong Everton side who remain unbeaten in 6 FA WSL outings.
“We are disappointed not to win the game because of the chances that we created, but Everton are a very good side – and a lot of respect has to be paid to Everton for the way they played,” said Sherwood.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve done today, but – at the same time – I’m disappointed that we didn’t take the three points.
“We’ve had the chances today and their keeper has made three or four top saves, which has kept them in the game; and at the same time Charlie (Charlotte Haynes) has made two or three for us.
“If you ask anyone they won’t be happy with a point, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in front of our own supporters.”
