Magill’s late goal helps Everton to collect first point against Manchester United | OneFootball

Simone Magill’s late equaliser secured Jean-Luc Vasseur his first point as Everton boss as The Blue Girls drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Walton Hall Park.

Magill’s goal cancelled out Ella Toone’s early strike for Manchester United in what was a much improved performance from the hosts in the second half. The draw ends Everton’s losing record against The Red Devils in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.

Both sides came into the game looking for a reaction. Everton had only won two of their last nine league games whereas Manchester United had come off the back of successive draws against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and established a deserved early lead. Alessia Russo led a quick break for her side and played the ball forward for Martha Thomas. Toone lurked on the edge of the box and Thomas found her as she curled in the opener for The Red Devils.

Soon after the opener, Everton could have levelled. Claire Emslie was put through on goal but her chip was just too high and bounced straight onto the top of the net.

After a long exchange of possession between the two sides, Manchester United threatened from a set piece. Again, Russo had her involvement, flicking on from a corner which somehow missed everyone in a red shirt.

Emslie was proving to be a threat for the home side, she proved unstoppable for the Manchester United defence but her cross into the box was scuffed by Valerie Gauvin and fell safely into the arms of Mary Earps. The Scotland international threatened again for The Blue Girls just before the break. Her shot from 20 yards just didn’t dip enough and rattled the bar.

Vasseur’s side started the second half a lot brighter. A couple of early balls into the box provided Toni Duggan with something to chase but on both occasions Earps was equal to it.

Just as Everton were looking dangerous, Manchester United sprung a chance. Russo pulled back into the box and found Thomas in space but her shot was sent well over the bar.

The Blue Girls continued their search for an equaliser and Kenza Dali’s dangerous ball into the box was meant for Duggan but was cleared by the Manchester United defence.

Time and time again, the visitors were looking dangerous on the break with Leah Galton next to have a go but her shot from out wide ruffled the side-netting.

Everton though were resilient and they got their reward for a better second half performance with 14 minutes to go. Substitute Magill capitalised on a defensive error and slotted home for the leveller.

Magill was making an impact in the game despite her recent lack of action due to injury. She delivered a cross which was met on the volley by Duggan as Everton pushed for a winning goal but the effort was weak and forced an easy save from Earps.

Sandy Maclver was called into action late on but a fierce effort from the edge of the box was met with a very good save by the Everton keeper as the game ended 1-1.

Everton will now look ahead to next weekend’s trip to Leicester City while Manchester United host Manchester City in an FA Women’s Continental League Cup derby in midweek.

By Matthew Ward