Martina Fernandez scored a 90th minute winner to secure Everton’s first three points at Goodison Park in a 2-1 win against Aston Villa in the WSL.
Villa took the lead through Ebony Salmon, but Everton equalised through Fernandez, and the Spaniard scored the winner to take Everton to ninth in the league.
Everton made one change from their home defeat to Brighton, with Imma Gabarro replacing Toni Payne.
It was Gabarro’s first start for the Toffees since returning from her loan spell at Sevilla.
Aston Villa made four changes from their 4-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Yuka Momiki’s clever feet gave Everton their first chance in the 10th minute, but her shot was easy for Sabrina D’Angelo.
Villa took the lead in the 13th minute after Ruby Mace gave the ball away in a dangerous position.
Salmon took advantage and shifted the ball past Fernandez, and her shot gave Courtney Brosnan no chance.
Brosnan saved Georgia Mullet’s back-heeled effort five minutes later, after Salmon’s low cross found Mullet in the box.
Everton grew into the game and equalised in the 32nd minute through Fernandez.
Mace’s corner found the Spaniard at the back post, who was unmarked and headed home.
Villa caught Everton on the break in the 35th minute and Mullett should have scored.
Her first effort was saved, and the ball came back to her, but her effort was too high.
Ornella Vignola’s fantastic curling strike in the 41st minute nearly gave Everton the lead, but her effort hit the post.
It was a flat second half and neither team were able to create any clear chances.
Fernandez headed the winner in the 90th minute after a Mace free kick found her at the back post, Villa guilty of leaving her unmarked again.
When asked about coming back from a goal down, Fernandez told Sky Sports: “We believe. 90 minutes. We believe every single weekend. We give everything.”
Despite scoring both goals, Fernandez described them as “team goals.”
(Featured pic by Rebecca Clayton)
