Everton 3-0 West Ham: Toffees impress in comfortable victory

Everton have not lost a game in the WSL this season when they have led at half-time

Everton put in a strong display to see off mid-table rivals West Ham and boost their position in the Women's Super League table.

On a freezing afternoon in Merseyside, which led to a delayed kick-off, the Toffees quickly gave their fans something to cheer about when Karen Holmgaard headed in the opener after three minutes.

West Ham barely had time to settle before Everton doubled their advantage in the 12th minute when Megan Finnigan capitalised from a smart corner routine.

Everton continued to dominate and victory was confirmed in the second half when substitute Aggie Beever-Jones thumped in a superb third goal, adding to a miserable day for West Ham.

The Toffees had the best chances throughout with defender Gabby George having a shot blocked by Grace Fisk after scuffing an effort wide under pressure from Kate Longhurst in a busy first half.

Everton were threatening down the right-hand side in particular, with Nicoline Sorensen impressing and Jess Park causing problems.

Paul Konchesky's West Ham side eventually settled and found Lisa Evans in space out wide but forward Dagny Brynjarsdottir was largely starved of service in a frustrating opening 45 minutes for the Hammers.

The second half was not much better for the visitors as Everton almost scored again within seconds of the restart when Park slid a dangerous ball across the six-yard area and Kirsty Smith had to react.

On-loan Blues goalkeeper Emily Ramsey was tested on set-pieces but was relatively unfazed overall as Everton won comfortably in an impressive performance.

The result sees Everton jump up to fifth in the table, continuing their development under manager Brian Sorensen, while West Ham remain in seventh place.

Missed opportunity for Hammers

Both teams have progressed this season having been taken over by new management in the summer and this was a good test to see just how much they had developed.

West Ham's form has been a little patchy in recent weeks and Everton boss Sorensen said before the game that this made them "dangerous" and "unpredictable" - but the Blues caught them on an off day.

From the first minute, Konchesky's side looked disorganised off the ball and sloppy on it.

Everton capitalised early on and quickly grew in confidence as defenders Finnigan and Rikke Sevecke stepped out from the back to offer support to the wingers.

Park, one of the WSL's outstanding performers this season, was impressive once again and selfless in the final third, while Hanna Bennison dictated play in the centre.

West Ham still carried a threat on set-pieces and French striker Viviane Asseyi posed more of a nuisance in the second half.

They were also boosted by the return of versatile defender Lucy Parker from a lengthy injury but, on the whole, it was a disappointing afternoon for the Hammers.

They showed at times why they have been making strides this season but this was a missed opportunity for them to stamp their authority on a close rival in the standings.