Everton beat Leicester in WSL with a late own goal

An own goal from goalkeeper Kirstie Levell deep in injury time gave Everton victory over Leicester City in the Women’s Super League.

Substitute Hanna Bennison, 19, sent wild cheers from the crowd at a packed Walton Hall Park when her free-kick was closed with a hand after 94 minutes.

Leicester remain pointless this season.

Confidence in Everton’s camp was sky high after theirs Great win on Sunday at Anfield and they wanted to add momentum to their first home game of the season.

However, Leicester were resilient, energetic and posed a threat of their own as they sought their first points of the 2022-23 season.

Lydia Bedford’s side, who finished second from bottom in the league last season, questioned Everton’s defense and enjoyed small periods of attacking pressure in the second half.

Summer signings Josie Green and Aileen Whelan led their press from the front, winning back the ball in dangerous areas on a couple of occasions despite Leicester failing to capitalise.

Full-back Jemma Purfield was testing goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, on loan from Manchester United and making her Everton debut, when her free-kick was called off.

But Everton were often in control of possession, getting behind Leicester’s defense on several occasions despite the failure of Izzy Christiansen and Jess Park to connect.

Striker Katja Snoeijs almost ended a Christiansen delivery before Gabby George brought in a dangerous ball from the left to test Leicester goalkeeper Levell.

Everton substitutes Karen Holmgaard and Bennison made an early impression on their substitutions – both had good shots on target – while Arsenal winger Gio Queiroz on loan also looked lively.

The Toffees pushed for the winner in stoppage time and eventually it was teenager Bennison who delivered the ball, helped by goalkeeper Levell, who slotted the ball into her net when it was likely to go wide of the post.

There was new Everton boss Brian Sorensen his second win of the season while Leicester suffered three defeats in their first three games.