A record crowd witnessed the points being shared in a thrilling Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
In her 100th WSL game, Gabby George scored the game’s first goal when a looping cross beat goalkeeper Rachel Laws of Liverpool. Liverpool’s excellent forward, Katie Stengel levelled the score five minutes before halftime.
Everton controlled the ball for the majority of the first half against a Liverpool team that had massively improved since their 3-0 thumping in September, but they were unable to generate many chances.
However on the 27th minute, the game transformed when Gabby George received a pass out wide, masterfully turned the Liverpool defender, and sent a cross into the box that found its way into the far corner of the net and past the goalkeeper.
A few minutes later, Megan Finnigan believed she had added a second goal to the tally, with a fine strike from the edge of the box, but Gemma Bonner made some heroic blocks to keep the Everton player from scoring. The block appeared to energise the red side, who would go on to finish the half as the more powerful and dominant of the two sides.
Just before halftime, the visitors tied the score when Taylor Hinds’ low shot ricocheted off Katie Stengel. The Liverpool forward collected the ball and finished low past Courtney Brosnan.
The second half will be famous for the attempts that were unsuccessful. Leighanne Robe scored for Liverpool however their joy was short-lived when referee Lauren Impey determined that Courtney Brosnan had been hindered by Ceri Holland.
Nicoline Sorensen’s impact increased as more space became accessible later on in the game. The Danish international displayed wonderful play down the right side, but Liverpool’s valiant defence prevented her from finding the decisive ball to the strikers.
The misfortune of a disallowed goal fell on winger, Jess Park next. The attacker did an excellent job of controlling a long ball before curling a shot past Rachel Laws. Once more, though, the joy was short-lived as referee Impey ruled that Jess Park had handled the ball during the buildup and disallowed her excellent strike.
Everton kept up the pressure on their opponents as they sought a victory, but Liverpool’s breakaways required Courtney Brosnan to step up. Eight minutes into the extra time, Brosnan denied Liverpool once more as Holland’s shot appeared to be heading for the top corner. However, the Everton goalkeeper stretched out to palm the ball away from the Blues net.
Player of the match for me has to be Courtney Brosnan, she made some crucial saves, was active off her line, commanding when claiming crosses and instructed her back line when needed, in fact without her world class performance we probably wouldn’t have gained a point from the encounter.
Everton Women are back in action in the WSL at Walton Hall Park on Sunday the 2nd of April when they face Tottenham Hotspur. Kick off is at 1pm.
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