LIVERPOOL, Jan 23 (SW) – Everton's first league encounter of the new year against Bristol Academy held the prospect of being a tightly contested match. But in the end the home team won by two goals to nil.

Everton had bounced back form the disappointment of a pre-Christmas Premier Cup exit by winning a dour FA Cup encounter with Nottingham Forest and were looking to keep their league challenge alive. Manager Mo Marley had warned against any 'more slip ups' especially as Bristol had taken points off the Toffees in the opening fixture. A match in which both teams had chances to win.

The first few minutes saw rather tight and scrappy play but Jodie Handley broke through to round the Bristol keeper Chamberland on 12 minutes. But she pulled the ball too far wide and her shot ended in the side netting. Bristol made their own chance on 28 minutes when a Carrie Kveton’s free kick forced a good save from Everton keeper Rachel Brown. Jodie Handley was put through again on the half hour but shot straight at the keeper, she also forced a good save a few minutes later. Chantelle Parry however was having less luck as a number of her shots blazed wide. However on 40 minutes she lofted a high ball in from the right which Fara Williams managed to direct past Chamberland. They also had a second when Chamberland fumbled a Williams shot but the ball rolled just past the post.

In the second half Bristol stepped up their play and Kate Holtham was through on the Everton goal and in the resulting clash the Everton keeper required some treatment. Both teams had more chances and England defender Rachel Unitt had to look lively on a few occasions. It was three minutes from time when a Kelly McDougal through ball found Handley who blasted a low shot into the net. Everton pushed for a third with Amy Kane putting a free kick over. But the points were Everton's and with Arsenal beating Leeds 4-1in their game it proved to be a vital three points.
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Everton – Bristol Acc 2-0 (1-0)

Referee: Bob Byrne, Attendance: 153

Goals: 40. Fara Williams 1-0, 89. Jodie Handley 2-0.