Everton finish with a flourish by easing past relegated Bristol City
Everton ended their Women’s Super League campaign with a 4-0 win at relegated Bristol City to finish the season in eighth place.
First-half goals from Katja Snoeijs and Sara Holmgaard put Brian Sorensen’s side in control at Ashton Gate.
Emma Bissell scored against her former club soon after the restart to end any hopes of a comeback from the Robins, who will return to the Women’s Championship after just one season.
Substitute Martina Piemonte scored a fourth in stoppage time to cap off a sixth WSL win.
Everton built on a bright start to take the lead in the 16th minute. Sara Holmgaard collected a long pass at the edge of the penalty area and set up Dutch forward Snoeijs, who took the ball down on her chest before firing it into the corner.
Kathrine Kuhl thought she had scored after latching onto a through ball from Holmgaard, but the flag was raised for offside against the Danish midfielder.
Snoeijs then turned provider when the visitors did add another in the 23rd minute.
After winning possession in the Robins penalty area, Snoeijs cut the ball back to Holmgaard, who curled it past goalkeeper Fran Bentley.
Bristol City – with 17 WSL defeats already – fell further behind early in the second half.
Katrine Veje sent in a cross from the left, which former Robins forward Bissell tapped in with a volley at the far post.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Italian forward Piemonte finished the season off in style when she tucked the ball into the corner after being picked out by fellow substitute Eleanor Dale.