London City Lionesses welcomed Everton to the CopperJax Community Stadium this weekend, securing a 2-1 victory to extend their winning streak to four consecutive games.
The atmosphere was building ahead of kick-off, with Oktoberfest celebrations taking place and fans raising a sea of ‘BELIEVE’ signs, a nod to the popular TV series Ted Lasso, as the players emerged from the tunnel.
Everton made a promising start, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Daniëlle van de Donk produced a clever backheel to set up Delphine Cascarino, who curled the ball into the right-hand side of the net. Cascarino celebrated by pointing towards her teammate in disbelief at the quality of the assist, with van de Donk later earning Player of the Match honours.
London City doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Freya Godfrey found space on the edge of the box before firing across the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. It was a memorable return to club action for Godfrey, following her England debut in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Greece.
Everton came out after the break determined to find a way back into the contest, and their efforts paid off in the 64th minute. Substitute Hannah Cain, who had replaced Ornella Vignola, headed home a cross from Holly McNamara to reduce the deficit and give the visitors renewed hope.
The Lionesses looked to restore their two-goal cushion, with Kadidiatou Diani finding the net only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Despite Everton’s second-half fightback, the hosts stood firm to secure all three points.
FT: London City Lionesses 2-1 Everton
The victory lifts London City Lionesses above Tottenham Hotspur into third place in the WSL table, leaving them just three points behind league leaders Manchester City. Everton remain sixth.
Both sides will now turn their attention to the Women’s League Cup group stages on Wednesday night, with London City Lionesses facing West Ham United and Everton taking on Newcastle United.
