Everton climbed to fifth in the Women’s Super League as they ran out 3-0 winners against West Ham at Walton Hall Park on Sunday.

Two first half headers and a long-range strike from Aggie Beever-Jones (pictured) were enough to secure all three points for the home side.

It is a third consecutive league win for Brian Sorensen’s team, who have now scored nine goals in their last three WSL outings.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour in order to allow the pitch time to defrost, but Everton were unperturbed by the conditions and started the game strongly.

Karen Holmgaard opened the scoring in just the third minute for the Toffees, heading Jess Park’s cross past Mackenzie Arnold in the West Ham goal following a clever short corner routine.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure with full-back Gabby George shooting wide from a good position and then having a shot blocked by Grace Fisk moments later.

Everton doubled their lead in the 12th minute with another set piece routine.

This time it was centre-back Megan Finnigan who rose highest to nod Nicole Sorensen’s corner in off the post.

Everton continued to push after half time. Park was played through on goal moments after kick-off but saw her attempt to square the ball cut out by Kirsty Smith.

West Ham grew into the game and had a strong shout for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike Finnigan’s hand inside the area but the referee waved it away.

Two Everton substitutes combined to seal the victory in the 70th minute when Beever-Jones found the top corner after a driving run from midfielder Aurora Galli.

The visitors were unfortunate not to grab a consolation goal in stoppage time when Vivian Asseyi’s dink over Emily Ramsey was cleared off the line.

The victory takes Everton above Aston Villa and into fifth place in the league. West Ham remain in seventh.

Everton manager Brian Sorensen said: “I am not usually nervous before a game but this time I was a little.

“We could have had more composure on the ball, but with 3-0 I can’t be too negative.

“Everyone is buying into the stuff that we want to do. I’m looking forward to seeing where we can go.”

West Ham boss Paul Konchesky said: “The goals were unacceptable, terrible goals to concede. It’s really tough to take. We weren’t ruthless enough.”

Sorensen’s side are in action at Walton Hall Park again next Sunday January 29 as they host Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

(Featured pic under licence agreement with Alamy Images)

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