Elliott Cuff

Wed 17 March 2021 15:57, UK

We’re delighted to welcome Peter MacFarlane, member of the Everton Women Official Supporters Club, as our exclusive Everton Women expert

Everton Women will be without goalkeeper Sandy MacIver when they face Chelsea Women in the Women’s Super League later this evening.

The 22-year old was substituted in the first half against Birmingham City last week after sustaining a head injury, and due to concussion protocols she has been ruled out of the Chelsea clash, despite having return to training.

Peter MacFarlane, member of the Everton Women Official Supporters Club, believes that the absence of the England international will be a “huge loss” for Everton against the league leaders.

Talking exclusively to Goodison News, MacFarlane said: “Sandy has been incredible for us since she joined last season.

“She’s still only so young but she’s already proving what a fantastic goalkeeper she is, no more so than in the FA Cup Final where she was absolutely incredible and was awarded Player of the Match.

“No doubt she’s a huge loss but we are fortunate to have a top rate back-up in Tinja Korpela. Tinja has so much experience and really is a great goalkeeper so we are lucky in that position to have two top players to call on.”

MacIver, who joined the Toffees after graduating from Clemson University in January 2020, signed a contract extension to remain on Merseyside just three days after Everton comfortably beat Birmingham 4-0.

When asked for his thoughts on MacIver’s contract extension, MacFarlane was full of praise for the young shot-stopper, saying: “Absolutely delighted.

“England are lucky to have such a vast array of goalkeepers, particularly the younger goalkeepers, but Sandy is in as good a position as any to really stake a claim for that number.1 spot over the coming years.

“She’s still developing but for such a young goalkeeper she has such an array of attributes. She really will go right to the very top and we are so glad to see that she’s committed her future to the club. 

“Willie Kirk has shown a lot of faith in her and she’s repaid that faith with some incredible performances.

“It’s just great to see that she believes in the project that is happening here at Everton and can see the potential in this side with this manager.”

In other Everton news, manager Willie Kirk has demanded his side start strong against Chelsea.

Be sure to contact Everton Women’s only official Supporters Group at [email protected] if you’re interested in pursuing free membership and supporting the Toffees.