By Nick Ware

3rd Oct, 2021 | 8:40am

Everton Women Expert previews Reading clash

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 bidding to record successive victories on Sunday when they travel to face Reading in the WSL.

The Blues won their first league game of the season last week with a 3-1 home success over Birmingham City.

Goals from Leonie Maier, Hanna Bennison and Rikke Sevecke did the business at Walton Hall Park, with Peter McFarlane, member of the Everton Women Official Supporters Club, enthused by the club’s “perfect response” after starting the campaign with two defeats.

“It needed a moment of magic from our record signing, Bennison, to get us back in the lead,” he said. “The first touch was sublime, the quick feet to turn and lay the ball off to Toni Duggan for the one-two was superb, and then the finish which was absolutely top drawer.

“There’s no doubt now why so many top clubs were chasing her signature and hopefully this is just a taste of things to come. At 18 years of age she really does have the world at her feet. It’s early days but she seems to have everything in her locker and I’m so excited to see her progress with us this season. Hanna could really make the difference for us if we are going to challenge for those top three places.”

Turning his attention to Sunday’s encounter with Birmingham, Macfarlane is confident of another victory against some old friends.

He said: “This Sunday we come up against a few familiar faces in the Reading side. Firstly Faye Bryson, a player who I rated really highly during her time at Everton. A fantastic right back with so much grit and determination, I’m sure she will give us a tough test on Sunday. We’re also facing off against our 2010 FA Cup Final hero Natasha Dowie who has returned to the league after five years playing abroad. Finally, Brooke Chaplen, another member of our FA Cup winning side of 2010. I’m sure all three players will want to make their mark against their former club so we will have to be at our best.

“We can take huge confidence from the performance against Birmingham but we can’t take our eye off the ball. This is a huge test and it’s vital for us to take all three points.

“One big positive from the Birmingham match was seeing Leonie Maier make her debut. Not only did she score but she also completed the balance of the side, having played the first two games without a recognised right back. Leonie’s inclusion was such a huge positive.

“If we can keep that balance this weekend and our attacking players can fire on all cylinders then I have no doubt that we can win convincingly. I’m sure Duggan, Valerie Gauvin and Anna Anvegard will be desperate to get off the mark for the season, so let’s hope they get their chance on Sunday!”

In other Everton Women news, see our expert’s reaction to this Blues star’s injury update.

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