Controversial penalty from Katja Snoeijs gives Everton local bragging rights

Everton hauled themselves off the bottom of the table after battling to a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the last Women’s Super League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

A controversial penalty from Katja Snoeijs just before half-time proved enough to secure a first league victory for Brian Sorensen’s side, who moved up to ninth place.

Liverpool, though, felt they had done enough to at least get a point, but were left frustrated as Toffees goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan produced a string of fine saves.

With Everton set to move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, there had been plenty of nostalgia in the pre-match build-up.

There was, though, something of a low-key opening to the derby, before Liverpool thought they had taken the lead in the 17th minute – but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Olivia Smith on Brosnan.

Lucy Hope headed wide at the back post from a corner, before the Toffees did open the scoring through a controversial spot-kick in the 41st minute.

Reds midfielder Fuka Nagano was ruled to have tripped Honoka Hayashi by referee Abigail Byrne – but replays suggested the foul had taken place just outside the box.

Snoeijs, though, remained composed to slot her spot-kick into the bottom left corner, as Liverpool keeper Teagan Micah, starting in place of injured Rachael Laws, was sent the wrong way.

Liverpool boss Matt Beard looked to regroup his side for the second half.

Smith got clear down the right and sent a cross into the six-yard box.

Nagano saw her shot saved by Brosnan, who then also pushed the follow-up effort behind for a corner.

There was a stoppage in play just ahead of the hour mark for Everton defender Justine Vanhaevermaet to receive some treatment after taking a knock to the head as the home side continued to soak up plenty of pressure.

When Liverpool did get another opening, Brosnan was again alert to beat away a shot from Smith.

Liverpool were calling for their own penalty when Ceri Holland went down under a challenge from Sara Holmgaard, but the appeals were waved away.

With eight minutes of stoppage time, the Reds sensed a late equaliser.

Substitute Mia Enderby played a superb reverse pass into the right side of the Everton box for Gemma Bonner, whose fierce angled dive was beaten away by player of the match Brosnan.