Birmingham were unlucky to suffer their first defeat in the FA Women’s Super League after a dramatic encounter with Everton tonight.
Amy Kane stole all three points for the visitors with a stunning long range strike in the 84th minute, after Dunia Susi levelled for the Blues on 65 minutes. Natasha Dowie had earlier put the Toffees 2-1 in front with both of her goals scored in controversial circumstances.
It will be a bitter pill to swallow for Birmingham as they started like a train on fire and appeared to relish the occasion more than their opponents.
And the Stratford crowd didn’t have to wait long for a goal.
Midfield general Jo Potter delivered a beautiful corner into the Toffees box and Emily Westwood tucked the ball away with a simple header.
David Parker’s side sensed blood and pushed for a second – playing some delightful football in the process – and they almost got their wish.
WSL top scorer Rachel Williams carved her way through the visitors’ defence and after seeing her shot blocked, the striker, along with the 547 strong crowd, believed they should have been awarded a penalty. The former midfielder was man handled in the area but the referee waived play on.
Despite the Blues continuing to apply pressure in an open game, chances were hard to come by in the first period.
Potter was continuing to cause havoc with some teasing set pieces while Everton were appeared to be getting to grips with the task in hand, but the next opening didn’t come until the 37th minute.
The chance fell to Natasha Dowie, who found space in the area to test Hall, but the ‘keeper was equal to the task.
After a quiet – but intriguing half – the second period was rather more eventful.
Dowie and Williams both went close for their respective sides. However, Dowie was starting to become a real handful for the Blues defence, and Iain Dowie’s niece equalised for the away side.
Confusion in the Birmingham defence allowed the striker to nip in behind and tap home from close range after Gwennan Harries hooked in a ball from the right. There was controversy surrounding the goal , though, as Dowie appeared to have controlled the ball with her arm.
The night got worse for David Parker’s side, with Everton taking the lead after another controversial decision. The referee adjudged Blues captain Laura Bassett to have handled in the area, stunning everyone with his decision, and Dowie duly despatched the spot kick.
As they have done all season, Blues showed tremendous character and hit back immediately through Williams. The striker’s 11th goal of the season came via another tantalising Potter corner and it rejuvenated the hosts.
Marie Ballard and Susi both went close to winning the game for Blues but the latter spurned a golden opportunity with 10 minutes left on the clock.
The England international evaded her marker inside the area and with the goal beckoning; Susi dragged her shot horribly wide.
This seemed to spur Everton on, and Kane won the game for the Merseyside outfit with a 20 yard strike.
On reflection Birmingham deserved a draw, but they will now have to turn their attentions to a mouth-watering clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Blues: Hall, Weston, Harrop, Stanton, Bassett (c), Susi, Williams, Carney, Potter, Westwood, Ballard
Unused subs: Wright, Curtis, Watts, Moore, Cardin.
Everton: Brown, Easton (c) Unitt (Bronze 11) (Chaplen 56), Whelan, Johnson, Scott, Dowie, Hinnigan, Duggan, Harries (Handley 90), Kane
Unused subs: Hill, Holbrook.
Bookings: Williams (42), Weston (76).
Player of the match: Rachel Williams
Attendance: 547
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