Before kick-off both sides came together for a minute’s silence in memory of coach Matt Beard, who pioneered, championed and excelled in the women’s game. The JOIE stadium observed the tribute impeccably and stood to applause in the 47th minute of the game, honouring the legacy of a great man and coach.
When the game began, Khadija Shaw looked sharp. Threatening early for City, her first attempt narrowly sailing over the bar after two minutes played. Further chances fell Shaw’s way but was yet to test the hands of Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey. Though it was Shaw’s strike that forced Ramsey into an excellent reaction save, palming the ball away for a corner.
From the resulting corner, Everton failed to clear their lines. After a game of pinball the ball fell to Canadian Defender Jade Rose who poked the ball home for her first senior goal, giving City the lead 20 minutes in.
Everton struggled to respond but eventually found joy in the game on the counter. Katie Robinson and Ornella Vignola both had clearcut opportunities in the first half. Robinson was played in before attempting to chip an onrushing Eartha Cumings who’s outstretched arm brilliantly denied the guests a route back into the game.
After her first goal last week Grace Clinton showed her creative prowess again, combining well with Captain Laura Coombs in midfield. City worked themselves swiftly into the box before Clinton’s curling effort clattered off the post. Unable to double their lead, the Citizens went into the break a goal to the good.
City manager Andrée Jeglertz opted for a change in attack after the break, Vivianne Miedema replaced Bunny Shaw. It didn’t take long for Miedema to get involved in the action, intercepting a loose pass from the Everton defence with only Ramsey to beat, the keeper smothered the first attempt but the ball spun into the path of Yui Hasegawa who blasted the ball home to finally double the Citizens lead nearly 10 minutes after the restart.
Despite half chances from substitute Toni Payne and Yuka Momiki, it looked like the game’s all important third goal wouldn’t be for the visitors. Instead with 15 minutes to go some quick play from City set free Iman Beney on the left flank who provided a delicately dinked ball to the back post to find the lurking Dutch striker Miedema. Capping off a strong performance all round for the team.
There was some consolation for the travelling Toffees a few minutes later, Hikaru Kitagawa found herself with space on the left edge of the box, shifting the ball right before whipping a perfect shot past the diving Cumings giving the Toffees a glimmer of hope late on. Payne looked the most threatening of the attacking options brought on but still couldn’t muster enough to trouble City’s goalie and offer a late comeback.
City held firm and ensured they’d collect all three points on opening night. Their young stars impressed well on the night, with a most memorable night for Defender Jade Rose scoring, defending well but frustrated not to finish with a clean sheet. Everton will feel they were masters of their own demise, lacking in quality and concentration throughout the game ultimately gave the hosts a comfortable win. The Toffees will be targeting future wins against the Championship sides in their group, to keep alive their quest for silverware this season.
