We controlled the play for large spells at Brisbane Road but despite good chances for Julie Blakstad and Olivia Holdt, we couldn’t find a breakthrough and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Reflecting on the game, the Head Coach told SPURSPLAY: “I thought we pushed, we looked tired with our play, we created some good chances but we just needed to capitalise on those moments. Near the end when we opened up, we conceded a few counter-attacks, but that would happen when we start to press the game. It just looked like it was going to be one of those frustrating games where it just wasn’t going to go in.
“There was a big improvement in performance (from Wednesday’s Players Cup tie with Crystal Palace) – collective performance, more importantly. I just felt like when we got into that attacking third, it was going to take something really special. They defended so deep, so many numbers behind the ball, you’re waiting for one of those moments to drop, I think we had a couple early on in the second half and then we had some later on, Olivia hit the crossbar, the keeper made some brilliant saves, but it was just one of those games where I just felt it wasn’t going to go in.”
Saturday’s contest represented the first time we’ve failed to score in a WSL game this season, with Martin crediting Everton for their stubbornness in defence.
“They don’t concede many goals, they’re hard to break down and Scott (Phelan) has got them really well organised,” he said. “You can see they work consistently for one another on the pitch to make sure they get in front of the ball, they defend the ball, they frustrated us today and we need to look at it to try to find ways that we can break teams down like that.”
We return to action at Brisbane Road on Wednesday night when we host Leicester City in the Subway Players Cup, kick-off 7pm GMT.