Having faced the Toffees at the Broadfield this season, it always felt like this would be a tight tussle between two teams lacking a true goalscoring striker. Everton came into the game with a horrendous home record at Goodison of played five, lost five, and Brighton had only managed four points away all season. Something had to give.

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• For a full recap of the match action courtesy of the Official BHAFC Website head over: HERE
• Match highlights are available via the WSL YouTube channel: HERE
• The SheGulls Podcast will be reviewing the game live at 9pm on Monday via the SheGulls YouTube channel: HERE – where you can also watch on catch-up any time after broadcast!

Brighton & Hove Albion

• Truth be told this wasn’t really a fantastic advert for the game. Both sets of fans were entertained to a certain extent, but more in the sense that the outcome was always in question, as opposed to being generally enthralled by the action on the field. It happens though, and both teams are generally stronger in defence so it wasn’t all that unexpected.
• Clear cut chances were hard to come by throughout. From the Albion perspective there were opportunities, but a combination of a poor touch or good play by the opposition defence just made the angle too tight or the shot taken under unnecessary pressure. Everton had great success with balls across the box and there were three crosses that with a Blues player in the right place, could have ended with the ball in the back of the net.
• For the second WSL game in a row Brighton scored as a direct result of their high press. Against Villa they intercepted a pass direct from the goalkeeper, whereas this time Kiko Seike’s block from a Martina Fernandez clearance allowed her to slide a pass across to Jelena Cankovic just outside the six-yard box. The Serbian’s trademark composure kicked in and she clipped the ball home past the desperate lunge of Everton legs.
• Much as Fran Kirby is missed as she deals with another injury, it could be argued that Cankovic is equally as vital to the Seagulls. Without her the midfield lacks a drive, an energy that only a playmaker with energy to burn like Jele can bring. If Brighton could get them both on the pitch at the same time for a concerted period – who knows how fast they could start climbing the table.
• The defensive unit played very well and there was no signs of doubt creeping in after the Albion took the lead. As the game wore on however, the team began to sit deeper and deeper in their own half and found it incredibly difficult to try and force the Blue wave back. This led to a sustained period of pressure which Brighton weathered, but against a better team, who knows.
• The same could be said about Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. Though she saved the couple of opportunities Everton did get on target, including a great stop from Maz Pacheco, she also provided the usual one or two heart attacks per game that fans have come to expect. She is still an massive overall net positive for the club, no doubt there, but you can’t help that be concerned that one of these errors, one of these days, costs the Albion points. That might be the price that has to be paid to have one best goalkeepers in the world right now.
• It was slightly disappointing for those in attendance that new signing Olaug Tvedten didn’t at least make an appearance as a substitute. Perhaps that came down to the scoreline being slightly too close for comfort, but Brighton supporters are chomping at the bit to see what she is all about.
• Overall a solid if unspectacular performance, a clean sheet and three points away from home. Interim coach Chris Roberts will surely see that as job done.

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Everton

• The most dangerous threat came from Toni Payne marauding up and down the right flank. Though Marisa Olislagers dealt with her admirably, if Everton had a goal poacher then it would be hard to imagine they don’t convert at least one of her balls into the box.
• There were some boos and ‘Brian Out’ chants directed towards the Everton dugout at full time. Though they’ve had tough luck with injuries and there’s the ongoing Kelly Gago situation, after 6 home games without a single point – it’s not hard to see why the Toffees faithful are losing patience.

Other Business

• Just under twenty of us made the journey up via coach. We were joined by maybe 14-16 fellow Albion fans who travelled independently as well as the Celtic crew (18-20) who come to see Caitlin Hayes, but certainly bolster the away support. All in all for a game that was moved to a Friday night and might’ve drawn less than half that a couple of years I’d call a positive sign. We drew several comments from television viewers as well as stewards who appreciated how loud and passionate we were.
• After the game Claire and I met a young SheGulls fan called River who listens to the SheGulls Podcast before bed (insert joke about us sending him to sleep here). Both River and his Mum were so lovely and from our perspective – what better evidence that what we do is worthwhile – even if we aren’t to everyone’s taste. Genuinely the first time we’ve been asked for a photo in relation to SheGulls too, so a proud moment all round!
• I have to commend Spirit of Sussex coaches. Not only are the drivers always helpful and friendly, but they’ve gone above and beyond to return some lost property to me. Excellent service all round!
• The referee was apparently Oliver Mackie, who presumably stepped in for Amy Fearn at short notice. I thought the officiating crew were excellent for the most part and were largely anonymous, which in this case is a big plus.
• Award for the warmest welcome goes to Everton, the staff at Goodison and of course the fans. This is the second occasion that, regardless of the result, we have all been treated with respect, kindness and a friendly demeanour. Don’t get me wrong, most who work in and around the women’s game, or support it, are fantastic – but Everton is just on a different level.

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Part 1 of the SheGulls Podcast – talking all things Everton – will be live tonight (Monday) at 9pm on Youtube via the link at the top of the page. You can watch on catch-up shortly after broadcast.
Part 2 of the SheGulls Podcast – where we preview our upcoming fixture against London City Lionesses and talk everything else Albion Women – will be released alongside Part 1 in audio format later in the week (as ever it was).

Hope to see all of you back at the Broadfield on Sunday!