Everton recorded their first win of the season in the Barclays Women’s Super League by defeating Liverpool 1-0 in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
In the final women’s team Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, Katja Snoeijs netted the only goal from the penalty spot in the first half.
The visitors started the stronger of the two sides and they almost broke the deadlock within the first two minutes, but Leanne Kiernan’s shot bounced on the top of the net.
In the 15th minute, Everton keeper Courtney Brosnan made an error when she couldn’t clear the ball away. Marie Höbinger put it into the back of the net, but the flag was already raised for a foul and no goal was given.
Taylor Hinds then dragged a shot wide for Liverpool before Everton won a penalty when Honoka Hayashi was fouled by Fuka Nagano. The decision was a controversial one with contact seemingly having been made outside of the box. Snoeijs stepped up to take the spot kick and she slotted the ball home, putting her side ahead.
Everton needed a strong performance from keeper Brosnan to retain their lead. She proved to be the saviour as she twice denied Nagano. The midfielder first shot straight at Brosnan before the Everton keeper managed to keep out the follow-up, pushing the ball away.
Liverpool threw everything at Everton late in the game. Olivia Smith directed a powerful strike straight at Brosnan before Mia Enderby and Höbinger both fired efforts over. Gemma Bonner had the final chance for The Reds at the death but failed to beat Brosnan as Everton made Merseyside blue.
Both teams are next in action in the Women’s League Cup. Everton play host to Manchester United on Wednesday evening while Liverpool travel to Newcastle United next weekend.
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