Everton Ladies ran out 6-0 victors over the Oakville Storm to record the first win of their Canadian tour.

Following a 3-3 draw just 24 hours earlier, the Blues ran-out comfortable winners in Friday evening's match.

Rachel Unitt scored twice, while there were also goals for Kelly McDougall, Fara Williams, Michelle Hennigan and Channy Parry.

The game started in lively fashion with chances for both sides before the opener.

But by the time Unitt tapped in from a corner, Everton had already gone close through Leanne Duffy, Parry, and Michelle Evans - the latter striking the stanchion with a long range effort.

The game was now one-way traffic and just before the half hour mark Parry did score with a terrific effort from the right hand side of the penalty area.

Jayne Eadie produced an important block in her own six-yard box before Fara Williams came to the fore.

The England international had a scissor kick just wide and a lob just over before forcing a save from the keeper with another effort moments before half time.

After the break it was more of the same, and Unitt made it 3-0 from a corner on 62 minutes.

Manager Mo Marley took the opportunity to introduce some younger players into the fray, and one, Abby Pullen, went close before being fouled inside the box by the onrushing goalkeeper.

Williams duly despatched the penalty to make it 4-0.

Another Williams effort was then stopped on the line, but rookie Michelle Hennigan was on hand with the rebound.

McDougall then burst into the box to complete the scoring and there was even time for Danielle Hill to ensure a clean sheet with a fine left handed save with two minutes left.

Everton Ladies have won the third game of their pre-season tour of Canada.

They overcame Woodbridge Azzurri 2-0 thanks to goals from Kelly McDougall and Fara Williams.

Despite dominating the game, they were unable to fashion as many chances as in the 6-0 demolition of Oakville Storm earlier in the week.

The Toffees started brightly in the match, where temperatures were around 30 degrees.

There were early efforts from Nicky Harding and Fay McCoy from distance, but McCoy then had to leave the field with a knee injury.

She was replaced by Fara Williams and her first major role was to despatch a 25th minute penalty - awarded after Amy McCann was brought down in the box.

There was plenty of good work in the defensive ranks as well, with Fern Whelan regularly snuffing out Woodbridge's attacks in their infancy.

The Canadians tried to restore parity after the break, but Williams was on hand with a well timed tackle to remove the danger. Then, just a minute later, she fired a long range drive wide of the upright.

On the hour, the lead was doubled. Kelly McDougall left the opposition keeper no chance when she produced a smart finish.

Once again Everton introduced some young faces as the game progressed, and fresh legs were required.

Claire Owens had a long range attempt, and Williams threatened again, but the score remained 2-0.

There was just time for the Azzurri to strike the crossbar before time was called on the contest.

Everton now face Ottawa Fury on Tuesday in their final game.

Captain Leanne Duffy believes the heat was a major factor in Everton's performance on Sunday.

The game, a 3pm kick off, was played in very hot conditions. And although the Toffees were 2-0 victors, Duffy said the temperature had been an issue.

She told Evertonfc.com: "It was tough with the heat. It was our toughest test so far - not because they were the toughest team but it was just a new experience playing in that type of heat.

"We tried to keep the ball and tried to limit the amount of running we had to do."

The match was also the third 90 minute outing the side had played in four days.

"I think people just didn't have it in them today," continued Duffy, "With it being our third game and, more than anything, the heat.

"A lot of people are tired but we have got a decent sized squad so we have tried to use as many people as possible."

As part of her captain's role, the midfielder has been guiding younger squad members through the tour.

She explained: "The main point is not to waste possession and to try to keep the ball and that is what we are trying to drum into everyone in the team."

And Duffy also added that the physiological benefits were already becoming apparent.

She said: "I am fitter now than I was this time last year so I have just got to work on that and try and keep it up when I get back as well."

The Blues now play Ottawa Fury - a match likely to be their toughest yet.

"We are just praying that it is raining!" said the skipper.

"We have been told that Ottawa Fury are a good team, on a par with Arsenal probably, so we know we have got a tough test ahead.

"There's is no point coming here and playing teams who are not going to test us so we are all looking forward to it."

This will be the biggest test for Everton, Unitt played against the Fury in the W-League final last year scoring the opening goal for New Jersey Wildcats. I would be happier if we had Brownie in goal.

It is good to tour abroad for pre season , I hope to see them challenge even more the Arsenal Ladies this season.

No chance, Arsenal will win it by the biggest margin ever.

Really as much as i like the Arsenal Ladies if there is no competition it does not help the team devellopment.

Everton Ladies were narrowly defeated in their final pre-season game in Canada.

The Ladies went down 1-0 to the Ottawa Fury on Tuesday evening.

The solitary goal came in the second half, but it was a performance that did not lack in character on the part of Everton.

The Canadians looked the fitter side - unsurprising being as they are mid-season at the moment.

Ottawa dominated the early exchanges, having several chances. But Danielle Hill was alert in the Toffees' goal to avert the danger.

The battle between the home forwards and the Everton keeper continued in the lead up to half time, with Hill able to keep the score at 0-0, ably assisted by her defence.

Everton's first notable strike was a Fara Williams effort from 30 yards which flew over the bar five minutes before half time.

The second half saw the Ladies keep the ball better in attacking positions though their only opportunities were from long range.

The Fury were dangerous on the break and took the lead just before the hour mark. A cross from the right wing was tapped in by Stacey Stocco to make it 1-0.

As Everton pressed forward the counter was more and more threatening - but Fern Whelan and Jayne Eadie produced some important blocks to keep their side in the game.

Keeper Hill was also to the fore with an outstanding save with two minutes left.

There was just time for Everton to fashion a decent chance as Williams' flick fell to Amy McCann but her volley was straight at the Ottawa keeper and the score remained 1-0.

A win, a draw and a lose! That isn't all that bad when you think they had to deal with quite hot conditions etc

Congratulations to Everton!


Hopefully this will put them in good stead for next season and will give Arsenal a bit more competiton!

We can but dream.

I think Everton are the dark horses!! They can beat Charlton easy and for Arsenal maybe if Arsenal have a bad day and Everton are on top form it can easily be done! Would never rule them out

Bring on next season and Everton for 2nd spot again

well like this season I'm going with Everton for next season
Would go with Arsenal....but they win everything - which is bad
So roll on next season and Everton to cause some upsets

I can always count on your support Smoggie

This is a sneak preview of Evertons new away strip, yet to be unvieled by the mens team lol

This girl is gonna be a big big star Fern Whelan.



Rach Unitt

I like the new kit
I'd wear that

I couldn't agree more - I have seen Arsenal slowing down too many times
when they were leading 2-0; 3-0 and so on.
The best players were starting to play sloppy and the game was just getting boring.
And as much as I want the miracle to happen and Arsenal to lift that UEFA Cup trophy,
without a good preparation, we won't be able to beat the likes of Umea, Frankfurt, Potsdam or even Brondby.
This is not a piece of cake

Sorry for the offtopic - I wanted to reply to shlj's thought

And well done Everton! Keep up the good work

If what I have heard is true, no one else is going to have any chance of catching them. Europe will be no problem, as long as they have no major injuries.

What have you heard that none of us have ? Someone great gonna sign then ?

Back on track people Everton!!!

Arsenal/UEFA Womens Cup have diff threads

Everton beat Man City 2-1 in the final of the 2006 Umbro Fair Game Elite Trophy!

All pictures taken by Xena

Winning Team


Everton Capt Duffy



Faye McCoy & Emily Westwood


Woody & Dani Hill

Great pictures Xena I heard about the tourni but didn't know teams like Everton were in it! Already started on the winning scene a good pre-season start

Who was GK i'm sure that isn't Brownie?!