Everton marked the final Goodison Park derby with a defining 1-0 victory over rivals Liverpool, recording their first win in the Women’s Super League this season.
Katja Snoeijs’ successful penalty provided the difference between the two Merseyside outfits after the Blues were gifted a controversial spot kick following a foul on Honoka Hayashi.
Liverpool set the tone for the high-stakes game, starting on the front foot, as Leanne Kiernan’s launched shot from range narrowly sailed over the target.
Committing to a high press early on, Taylor Hinds maintained the visitors attacking threat as her low shot dragged just wide of the far post, after receiving the ball from Jenna Clark.
It was Everton’s Melissa Lawley however, who registered the first shot on target after being picked out by Clare Wheeler on the edge of the box. The forward’s effort seemed destined for the bottom-left corner, but Teagan Micah did just enough to get her fingertips on it, sending it behind for a corner.
As the half wore on, chances were limited and both goalkeepers remained relatively untroubled as a cagey momentum took hold. But a contentious penalty decision just before the interval provided Everton with a breakthrough moment after referee Abigail Byrne ruled that Fuka Nagano had fouled Hayashi on the edge of the box.
Despite appeals from Liverpool’s bench, Snoeijs stepped up to take the spot kick, coolly slotting it past Micah, who dived the wrong way, giving the hosts a valuable lead into half-time.
Returning from the break, Matt Beard’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Courtney Brosnan into action with a vital save to deny Nagano’s initial effort. The danger remained, but the Irish international reacted swiftly producing an impressive second stop in quick succession to deny the Liverpool midfielder once more.
From that point on, the visitors remained persistent, with Brosnan and her defensive unit required to stay alert as a sequence of chances came their way.
Justine Vanhaevermaet provided crucial support, doing just enough to disrupt Leanne Kiernan, allowing the goalkeeper to comfortably collect her header.
The Toffees however, still posed a threat on the counter with Toni Payne showcasing her speed as she nearly outpaced Hinds, who recovered just in time to deflect the ball wide and prevent a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
As the final whistle approached, the visitors remained relentless, driven by an understanding of the significance a derby victory holds for both teams and their supporters, as Hinds’ powerful strike from range skimmed just inches over the crossbar.
However with Brosnan equally determined to protect her lead, she continued her remarkable stopping form, making an excellent save to deny Gemma Bonner at her near post, securing all three points for the home side and closing the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park in memorable fashion.
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