Everton suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea after a last-gasp winner from Lauren James sealed the victory at Kingsmeadow in the WSL.
Kelly Gago’s clinical 51st minute strike put the Toffees ahead following a cagey first half, where clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides.
Chelsea responded 11 minutes later, when Mayra Ramirez fired into the far post to bring the home side level, before James delivered a crushing blow in injury time, snatching all three points for the hosts.
Everton began the contest with a deep defensive structure, making it difficult for Chelsea to break through.
Heather Payne pushed to carve out an opportunity for the Blues as she hung a teasing cross towards Gago at the far post, but Hannah Hampton reacted quickly to smother the danger.
Though, the hosts fashioned the most meaningful chance of the half as a deep ball was swung in from a corner finding James in possession. Chelsea were convinced the ball was bundled across the line, but Courtney Brosnan was on hand to claim it, keeping the scores level.
The remainder of the first period lacked attacking quality with both goalkeepers largely untested.
Everton made it frustrating for the defending Champions, with Elise Stenevik putting in a vital block to deny Ashley Lawrence after a surging run from James.
This effort prevailed into the break as Martina Fernandez produced a crucial sliding challenge to prevent Ramirez from latching onto Sjoeke Nusken’s pass, ensuring the Toffees remained solid heading into half time.
Everton broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, with an empathic finish from Gago as she slotted past Hampton from a tight angle to continue her fine scoring form.
Buoyed by the opener, Everton pressed forward with confidence. Katja Snoeijs drove through midfield before releasing Toni Payne, but her pass was intercepted inside the box.
Gago had another chance to add to her tally, bursting into the area with the ball, but Hampton reacted well to close her down before she could get a shot away.
Chelsea responded swiftly, as Ramirez executed a clever spin to evade her marker before she clinically struck towards the back post.
As the second half wore on, Everton showed resilience and determination with Brian Sorensen introducing fresh legs to maintain intensity.
Karen Holmgaard was brought on alongside Mellissa Lawley and Lucy Hope in a particularly special moment for the Danish International, who made her long-awaited return after 10 months side lined with an injury.
Despite Everton’s disciplined display, their hard work was undone in stoppage time when James unleashed a powerful long-range strike, sealing victory for Chelsea.
Although the Toffees were left empty-handed, their spirited performance against the reigning champions will provide encouragement heading into their next fixture against Aston Villa on March 2nd.
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