Aston Villa & Everton share spoils in six-goal thriller
At a glance
Kelly Gago gives Everton early lead
Georgia Mullett and Kirsty Hanson put Aston Villa in front
Hikaru Kitagawa draws Everton level before Ruby Mace own goal restores Villa's lead
Gago scores in stoppage time to salvage point for Everton
Everton drew with Aston Villa in a six-goal thriller in the Women's Super League at Villa Park.
Having not conceded a goal during October, Villa's defence was breached in the 12th minute when Kelly Gago slotted into the bottom corner from Martina Fernandez's pass.
Noelle Maritz's looping cross was prodded in by Georgia Mullett at the back post as Villa equalised just before the break.
The home side kept their momentum going, with Kirsty Hanson scoring from close range in the 59th minute to move in front.
Hikaru Kitagawa then netted a brilliant equaliser for manager Brian Sorensen's side only five minutes after coming off the bench.
When Ruby Mace inadvertently hooked Ebony Salmon's cross into her own net, Villa looked set for their second league win of the campaign.
However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time Gago scored her second of the game to salvage a point for the Toffees.
Analysis: Everton's winless run continues
Sorensen's team are on a six-game winless run in the league with their last victory coming against rivals Liverpool in their season opener.
They began well and had a chance to open the scoring as former Villa defender Maz Pacheco had a looping header cleared off the line.
Another chance was wasted when Lynn Wilms gave the ball away and Rosa van Gool pounced but could only send her effort over the bar.
Gago scored her first WSL goal of the season to give Everton a deserved lead but they were unable to make their dominance pay and Villa scored twice to turn the game around.
Losing because of a own goal from Mace would have been unfortunate but Gago came to Everton's rescue as they gained an important point.
Despite the elation of a very late equaliser, the Toffees were punished for not capitalising when they were in front and sit ninth in the league table as a result.
They are five points clear of relegation but will still be nervously looking over their shoulders if West Ham or Liverpool pick up points in the coming weeks.
What's next for these teams?
Aston Villa travel to Manchester United next Saturday, 8 November (12:00 GMT) while Everton host Manchester City on Sunday (14:30 GMT).
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