Women's Super League: Tears flow as Everton are relegated

Everton were Premier League runners-up in 2009/10

Everton's 21 years as a top-flight club ended as they were relegated after a 2-0 Super League defeat at Notts County.

The result, which confirmed second-bottom County's survival, means the Toffees are still winless this term with two games remaining.

Everton manager Andy Spence said: "We're a club with a proud history and we're devastated."

Elsewhere on Sunday, Bristol Academy beat Manchester City 1-0 thanks to Corinne Yorston's winner.

Notts County 2-0 Everton

Everton's top-flight history, including being crowned 1998 champions as well as winning both the FA and League Cups in the last six years, came to a tearful end as two Aileen Whelan goals gave the Magpies victory.

The result leaves County 10 points clear of the Toffees with just two games of the season left to play.

Magpies boss Rick Passmoor said: "The most important thing was our survival, but it's awful to have sent Everton down."

Some of Everton's players were in tears at the final whistle and Toffees boss Spence said that he took full responsibility for his team's relegation.

"This phase of the club's history isn't what any of us wanted, but we'll aim to create real good things in the future," he insisted.

Everton winger Danielle Turner hit a post from 20-yards in the 10th minute at Meadow Lane.

But County went ahead when left winger Whelan headed home a Katie Hoyle corner.

Goalkeeper Carly Telford had to make a good diving save from striker Nikita Parris as the Toffees searched for an equaliser.

But the game was put beyond the visitors when Whelan slid in her second goal from Clarke's excellent 83rd-minute pass.

Everton's demise has left Arsenal as the only club that can boast a top-flight history stretching back into the last century.

Everton were FA Cup winners just four years ago

Bristol Academy 1-0 Manchester City

Left back Yorston's decisive strike came at the end of a first half which had been dominated by Manchester City.

Midfielder Jill Scott twice missed the target before forcing goalkeeper Mary Earps into a good diving save.

The keeper then had to keep out a goalbound Scott header as the visitors continued to push for an opening goal.

But a minute before half-time, Yorston headed Bristol in front.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, striker Nicola Watts almost doubled the lead with a shot that flew narrowly over the bar.

And 10 minutes from time, only an excellent save by City keeper Karen Bardsley prevented striker Laura del Rio from making the game safe.