WSL: Toni Payne bags assist in Everton’s loss to Chelsea

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria international Toni Payne provided the assist for Everton FC’s lone goal during a 2-1 loss to English Women’s Super League (WSL) leaders, Chelsea FC at the Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

The Toffees put in a decent defensive display in a match dominated by the league defending champions which has not lost any match in all competitions this season.

The visitors went ahead against the run of play in the 51st minute.

Super Falcons star Payne released a pass to Kelly Gago, who fired an unstoppably left-footed strike into the top right corner.

The lead lasted 11 minutes before the Blues restored parity through Colombian international, Mayra Ramirez.

Ramirez received a pass from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, turned, and fired an attempt into the back of the net.

With three minutes into the four additional minutes of the game, which was heading towards a draw, Lauren James fired a long-range strike into the bottom right corner from outside the box to win the game for Chelsea FC.

Payne played the duration of the game for Everton as she provided her third assist in 14 WSL games.

With 14 points from 14 games, Everton occupy the eighth position on the log.