Everton Women returned to winning ways with a confident 3–1 victory over Newcastle United at Gateshead International Stadium, and Super Falcons star Toni Payne delivered one of her most decisive performances of the season.
Everton settled quickly and created several dangerous moments before breaking the deadlock. After sustained pressure, the breakthrough arrived from a set-piece as Yuka Momiki curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Claudia Moan to give the visitors the advantage.
Momiki’s strike lifted Everton’s confidence, and Payne became increasingly influential in the attacking transitions. Her pace and ability to drift into pockets behind Newcastle’s midfield constantly stretched the home side.
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She came close to scoring shortly after the opener, forcing Moan into a top save with a powerful effort from distance.
Payne drives Everton’s attack and creates the Second
Everton continued to dictate the rhythm, and their dominance paid off as Payne played a key role in doubling the lead. A clever run by the Nigerian forward opened the Newcastle defence, allowing Katja Snoeijs to strike low into the bottom corner after Payne picked out the right angle inside the box.
It was a crisp attacking move, and Payne’s awareness ensured Snoeijs had the perfect setup to finish for 2–0.
Just minutes later, Payne produced the moment she deserved.
Super Falcons star gets her goal
After threatening throughout, Toni Payne finally found the back of the net, reacting quickly inside the area to turn home Everton’s third goal of the evening.
A misjudged defensive action left space in the penalty area, and Payne showed excellent composure, guiding a right-footed effort into the bottom corner, her reward for a highly influential display.
Her movement, sharp decision-making, and link-up play with Snoeijs made her the standout forward in the match.
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, this performance is another reminder of Payne’s growing consistency ahead of next year’s international calendar, where she remains a key figure for the national team.
Newcastle fight back, but Everton stay Firm
Newcastle showed spirit in the final stages and pulled one back through Beth Lumsden, who bundled in a corner to spark brief hope for the home crowd.
The hosts pushed for a dramatic finish, but goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and Everton’s backline handled the late pressure to secure all three points.
Despite the defeat, Newcastle celebrated a positive moment as U21 player Amelia Freeman made her senior debut in front of her family.
What’s Next?
Everton return to WSL duty on 7 December, travelling to face Chelsea in London.
They will then host Arsenal at Goodison Park on 13 December.
