Report: Bristol City Women 0-4 Everton Women.

Four of the City’s summer signings started the opening day clash at Twerton park, including Ella Mastrantonio and Jemma Purfield who made their competitive debuts for the Robins.

Forward Abi Harrison was also handed her first start in over 10 months after her recovery from her ACL injury in November.

What Happened?

Both sides started brightly, however it was Everton who took the lead seven minutes in after an audacious backheel from Lucy Graham flew over the City backline and was volleyed into the bottom left corner by Simone Magill. 

The Toffee’s then doubled their advantage on 19 minutes after a swift counter attacking move saw Graham tap home from close range after a low cross from Nicoline Sørosen.

Charlie Wellings had City’s best chance of the half when the ball fell to her on the right hand side of the box, but her half volley flashed across Maclver’s goal and out for a goal kick.

As the second half began City pressed for a route back into the game as Humphrey and Purfield looked to test the Everton 'keeper. Purfield's dipping effort caused MacIver the most trouble with the shot-stopper keeping the ball out of the net with her shins. 

The Merseyside club were awarded a penalty 15 minutes after the restart when Bryson caught Magill in the box, and Graham got her second of the game as her effort smashed into the roof of the net.

Everton completed the scoring in the 90th minute through substitute Valérie Gauvin who latched onto Graham’s through ball, cut onto her right and slotted past Baggaley.

Ebony Salmon had the chance to grab a late goal at the death for City when she robbed of Finnigan of possession, however the substitute’s shot was straight at the ‘keeper and the full-time whistle went.

Teams:

Bristol City Women: Baggaley, Bryson (Allen, 65), Evans, Matthews (C) (Rafferty, 74), Logarzo, Humphrey (Daniels, 74), Wellings, Palmer, Harrison (Salmon, 52), Purfield, Mastrantonio.

Everton Women: Maclver, Wold, Turner (Pattinson, 86), Christiansen, Magill (Emsile, 72), Sørensen (Gauvin, 72), Raso (Boye-Hlorkah, 72) Graham, Finnigan, Clemaron (Stringer, 80), Sevecke.

Player of the match: 

Aimee Palmer made her second debut for City this afternoon after returning to the West Country from Manchester United. 

The young midfielder put in a brilliant performance in the centre of the park and proved she belonged in the Barclays FAWSL. The 19-year-old put in a performance beyond her years with intelligent play to break up Everton's attacking play and put City on the counter. 

Young star.