Everton 1-2 Aston Villa: Dali and Salmon seal important win

Kenza Dali and Ebony Salmon scored second-half goals as Aston Villa won 2-1 at Everton to climb to seventh in the Women's Super League.

France midfielder Dali and Salmon both scored in the space of five minutes soon after the interval and, although Elise Stenevik pulled one back, it was not enough for the hosts.

Stenevik was then sent off in added time after picking up a second yellow card.

Everton's Sweden striker Hanna Bennison had the first effort on target as her shot from outside the penalty area forced goalkeeper Anna Leat into a low save.

The home side controlled the early exchanges and Megan Finnigan just failed to connect with a corner at the far post.

Toffees keeper Courtney Brosnan was not called into action until the 25th minute when she parried Adriana Leon's effort.

Brian Sorensen's side ended a first half of few chances on top as Villa's Rachel Daly got back to clear after Martina Piemonte's shot was blocked.

Neither side created a chance worthy of note after the restart until Dali exploded into life in the 55th minute, exchanging passes with Leon before firing a low shot beyond Brosnan for her first league goal of the season.

Everton looked to respond, with Lucy Hope crashing a shot wide after Bennison's attempt had been blocked.

Villa then seized control by adding a second goal in the 60th minute when Salmon stole clear of her marker to head home Jordan Nobbs' cross.

Everton threatened through Katja Snoeijs' cross, which just eluded Piemonte, and they lacked the final touch in and around the box.

They reduced the deficit with six minutes remaining when Stenevik beat Villa keeper Leat to Aurora Galli’s free-kick into the box to head home.

But Villa held on to their slender advantage without further scares and Everton's disappointment was compounded in stoppage time when Stenevik received her second yellow for a clumsy challenge.