Everton moved to the brink of safety in the Women’s Super League after Guro Bergsvand’s own goal gave them a hard-fought 2-1 win at Brighton.

Karen Holmgaard came off the bench to head home a cross from her sister Sara on the hour but the lead lasted just three minutes as Tatiana Pinto reacted quickest to fire in a rebound after Maisie Symonds’ free-kick came back off the underside of the bar.

Bergsvand’s unfortunate final touch amid a scramble in the Brighton area in the 72nd minute restored Everton’s advantage, and they held on to move 12 points clear of rock-bottom Bristol City with four games left in the season.