Blackburn swept aside by confident Everton

Mar 28 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON LADIES managed to brush past Blackburn Rovers 5-1 on Wednesday but only after an early scare.

Under the floodlights at Marine, Everton’s former player Natalie Preston put the visitors in front before half-time. But Everton came out fighting in the second, and Natasha Dowie capitalised on a defensive error to put the scores level.

Fara Williams then stepped up and stroked a penalty home after Jo Potter was upended in the area to put Mo Marley’s side into the lead.

Jody Handley added a third before Jo Potter bagged a brace to put the seal on the three points.

“I’m pleased with the second half,” said manager Marley.

“But that’s not taking any credit away from Blackburn. They came here all guns blazing, they showed a lot of spirit and a lot of determination. They were worthy of the lead at the half-time break.

“We had a discussion at half-time and we felt we’re better than that. We’ve played out standing football this year, but in the last two weeks we haven’t.

“We got a lucky break, and the game changed. The players belief and everything changes. But I think the second half reflected what we’re really about and it was enjoyable to watch in the second half.”

Everton’s next outing is at the weekend when they host Chelsea at Marine on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).