Everton Ladies ready for Arsenal

Teenager Duggan has played for England Under-20s

Everton Ladies face Arsenal Ladies in the FA Women's Community Shield at Macclesfield Town on Thursday.

Arsenal won 3-0 the last time the two sides met in the Community Shield, although Everton have since beaten the Gunners in February's League Cup final.

Everton striker Toni Duggan, 17, believes a win at the Moss Rose could set down a marker for the season.

"Last season proved we're really closing the gap and hopefully we [can] finally overhaul them," she said.

The two sides meet as Arsenal won the Women's Premier League National Division and Everton won the Women's Premier League Cup final.

It's a really big match and it will mean so much more than just a pre-season friendly; there's a big trophy at stake Everton striker Toni Duggan

Duggan added the Blues are taking the traditional curtain-opener to the football season seriously and will face Arsenal with the belief they can win.

"We know Arsenal have lost a couple of big players this summer and if we beat them in the Community Shield, who knows what will happen when the League campaign begins?

"It's a really big match and it will mean so much more than just a pre-season friendly; there's a big trophy at stake."

Tickets for the game on 7 August (1945 BST) are £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and concessions.