By Tony Leighton

Everton have their sights set on Champions League progress

Everton are through to the knock-out stages of the Women's Champions League thanks to a stoppage time winner in their final group game.

England Under-19 international Michelle Hinnigan struck in the 92nd minute to give the Toffees a 1-0 win against Norwegian team Strommen.

The Norwegians were favourites to win Group C, but Mo Marley's team went through with a 100% record.

They had previously beaten Osijek 3-1 and Levadia Tallinn 7-0.

Manager Marley said: "It's fantastic to have reached the knock-out stages, and we thoroughly deserved it.

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"We weren't expected to beat Strommen, but we dominated the game and in the end we got our reward even though it seemed the goal was never going to come."

For seven of the Everton players the win was a huge bonus, after receiving confirmation earlier in the day that they had been selected in the England squad for Euro 2009.

As well as looking forward to the Euro finals in Finland later this month, they are now contemplating playing Champions League football at their home ground at Marine.

"It's bizarre to think a Champions League game is going to be played on a Unibond League ground," said Marley.

"But the players are made up and so am I - and we can't wait to find out who we'll be playing in the Round of 32."

Midfielder Jill Scott had scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 7-0 win over Estonian side Levadia Tallinn, with Natasha Dowie (two), Fara Williams and Emily Westwood also on the scoresheet.

The draw for the first knock-out round, in which Premier League champions Arsenal as well as runners-up Everton will be involved, takes place on 14 August.

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