Sorensen happy with fightback after 'off' first half

Everton manager Brian Sorensen says he is pleased his side battled back to secure a point after first half which he thought was "a bit off".

The Toffees went behind when Rachel Daly scored for Aston Villa in the 31st minute but improved after the break and salvaged a draw thanks to a superb long-range strike from Veatriki Sarri.

"We weren't ready for the first half. It was a bit off. I don't know why but we were too passive in all our actions. That's what we spoke about at half-time, to be more together when we pressed and so on.

"I was not happy with the first half but it is because we have new players and the connections are not quite there. We needed to do more in the second half and we certainly did that. The impact from the players off the bench made a huge difference to that.

"I am pleased with the point because we also have to acknowledge that Courtney Brosnan kept us in the game with some good saves in the first half.

Sorensen added that his side, who have recruited more players than any other side in the Women's Super League during the January transfer window, needs time to gel after the winter break.

He said: "We just started. We have been together for 10 days. We need to build those relations and understand how we want to do things.

"We had two new players in the starting XI. One was forced because Sara Holmgaard was suspended and Mel Lawley had been a little bit sick so we saved her for later.

"But it was great to have an impact off the bench now and we can build on that."