Whelan scored her fourth of the campaign – all of which have come at home – as Hope Powell’s team won 1-0 at The People's Pension Stadium on Sunday in the Barclays FA Women's Super League.
“We knew with our low league position that it was important to pick up three points and we’re pleased that we were able to do that,” she said. “The goal was made easy for me by Amanda Nilden, she set it up nicely and I managed to put it away.”
Whelan admitted that Albion should have been further ahead after creating more good chances before the break, and in the second half Everton responded, but were kept at bay by a resilient defensive display.
She added, “We were disappointed not to be more goals in front at half-time. I think that’s been the story of the season so far - not putting our chances away.
"We had to defend more in the second half but Megan Walsh in goal was composed when she had things to deal with and we managed the game well.
“Overall I think we’re making progress and we’ve had some new players come into the squad in January to add to the competition for places, which is important.
"Everton are a good side, but we pressed high and stopped them playing out and we showed that we can compete with teams at the top of the table.”