Everton claimed a hard-fought point in the WSL after playing out a goalless draw with in-form Manchester United at Goodison Park.
The visitors arrived on Merseyside having won seven of their previous nine matches in all competitions, but the Blues did incredibly well to keep their attacking threat at bay, while carving out the most promising opportunities of the afternoon through Yuka Momiki and Ornella Vignola.
United grew further into the contest in the closing stages, but Courtney Brosnan stepped up when called upon, producing an excellent display to ensure the Toffees earned a well-deserved point.
Andrea Medina registered the first effort on goal, though Everton’s excellent defensive shape limited her to a tame strike from distance, which Brosnan comfortably collected, as the hosts’ high defensive line did well to combat United’s early press.
At the other end, Momiki demonstrated the Blues’ attacking threat as she drove through midfield, drifted inside and unleashed a powerful strike which flashed narrowly wide of the near post.
Everton continued to threaten in the opening 45 minutes, with both Vignola and Hannah Blundell forcing Phallon Tullis-Joyce into action.
Vignola was first to test the United goalkeeper, deftly spinning away from her marker inside the area before seeing her effort saved by the stopper, while Blundell’s strike from distance required Tullis-Joyce to stretch towards the top-left corner to keep it out.
The Spaniard continued to cause problems after the break, hammering a fierce strike from the edge of the box which Tullis-Joyce couldn’t hold cleanly, with the ball bouncing off her chest and threatening to spill loose before she gathered it at the second attempt.
With 15 minutes left to play, the visitors increased the pressure, as Elisabeth Terland came close following a neat through ball from Jess Park, but Brosnan was equal to the effort and gathered comfortably.
Soon after, Brosnan’s heroics proved vital once again as Jayde Riviere flicked the ball into the path of Maya Le Tissier following a corner delivery. The defender connected with a header, producing a looping effort towards goal, but Brosnan reacted quickly to get down and gather, securing a hard-earned point for the Blues.
Everton now turn their attention to their next WSL challenge, travelling to the capital to face Chelsea on Saturday.
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