Liverpool climbed to fourth in the Women’s Super League after a goalless draw at Everton.

But it was more Merseyside frustration for Matt Beard’s side, who have failed to beat their city rivals in their last five league meetings.

They could have moved three points clear of Manchester United with a victory but were forced to settle for one.

A crowd of almost 9,500 were subjected to a disappointing derby encounter at Goodison Park with chances few and far between.

A stop-start beginning to the match saw Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan and captain Megan Finnigan require treatment after picking up nasty looking knocks before being able to continue.

Jenna Clark had Liverpool’s first real chance but her header was comfortably saved by Brosnan.

Missy Bo Kearns then floated a free-kick into the Everton area but Clark’s downward header was wide.

A section of the home fans thought Everton had taken the lead through Emma Bissell, but her shot had flown into the side-netting.

Eight minutes of stoppage time at the end of a disjointed first half could not provide an opening goal with both teams misplacing passes too often.

Everton came close to breaking the deadlock midway into the second half when Scotland midfielder Lucy Hope took aim.

Her drive beat Reds keeper Rachel Lawes all ends up but came crashing back off the underside of the crossbar before bouncing safe.

Lawes did get a hand to a fierce shot from Justine Vanhaevermaet as Everton pressed for a breakthrough.

Finnigan squandered another Everton chance when she headed over from a corner.

Ceri Holland was inches away from winning it for Liverpool when her shot rolled wide as the points were shared.